Use compass directions
Theory
The compass names directions: north, east, south and west, with north-east, south-east, south-west and north-west in between. On a map north is up the page.
The four main compass points are north, east, south and west. On a map, north is up the page, south is down, east is right and west is left.
Between each pair are the four in-between directions: north-east, south-east, south-west and north-west, making eight points in all.
Going clockwise the main points run north, east, south, west and back to north. Each quarter turn of \(90^\circ\) moves on to the next one. The opposite direction reverses every part of the name.
The opposite direction is straight across the compass.
| Direction | Opposite |
|---|---|
| North | South |
| East | West |
| North-east | South-west |
| North-west | South-east |
How to work out a direction
- Set north up the page: east is right, south down, west left.
- For a turn, go clockwise N, E, S, W, one step for each quarter turn.
- For the opposite, reverse every part of the name.
Right on the map, with north up, is east.
The Park is east of the Pool.
The return is the opposite point: north \(\rightarrow\) south.
He walks south.
A quarter turn is \(90^\circ\): north \(\rightarrow\) east.
She now faces east.
Reverse both parts: north-east \(\rightarrow\) south-west.
It flies south-west.
Common pitfalls
Frequently asked questions
What are the four main compass directions?
North, east, south and west. On a map north is up, east is right, south is down and west is left.
What is the opposite of north-east?
South-west. Reverse both parts of the name: north becomes south and east becomes west.
Which direction is a quarter turn clockwise from north?
East. Going clockwise the points run north, east, south, west, so one quarter turn from north is east.
How many points does a compass have?
The eight-point compass has four main points and four in-between points, giving eight directions in all.