Orientation - The Cardinal Points

A proper map will display an element that will note which direction marks north (usually, but not always, at the top). Most maps use a form of something that will help you figure it out. It is called Compass Rose.

Things you can find using a Compass Rose:

1.  A compass rose will usually mark all four (main) Cardinal Points: North, East, South and West (see picture above).
2. Then there are midway points in between those four which mark intermediate points, and they are noted: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest. (You can figure out where they go!)
3. And last but not least, there are some other in-between points to mark very specific directions.

In order to find out the correct in-between point, the following norms must be followed:

-> Start by naming the closest Main Point (North, East, South or West)

-> Follow by naming the closest midway point (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest)

Here are some examples...

i.e.: You need to find the name of the in-between point. You know that...
Answer: North Northeast or NNE
1. Point is closer to North than East.
2. The closest midway point is Northeast.
i.e.: You need to find the name of the in-between point. You know that...
Answer: West Southwest or WSW
1. Point is closer to West than South.
2. The closest midway point is Southwest.

REMEMBER: Always name North or South first for midway points!