Plans, Maps & Representations – Reading and Navigating the Real World

Admin
Jul 27, 2025
2 min read

Have you ever used a GPS, read a floor plan, or looked at a building diagram?

Then you’ve already used the skills from this topic — Plans, Maps, and Other Representations of the World.

This section of Mathematical Literacy helps you understand and interact with your surroundings — whether you're travelling, building, designing, or just making sense of space and direction.

Let’s walk through the key ideas together, simply and clearly.

📘 What Is This Topic About?

It’s all about interpreting real-world visuals such as:

Maps 🗺️
Floor plans 📐
Building diagrams 🏢
Elevation drawings 📏
Scale drawings and 3D representations

These help you make spatial sense of places, structures, and movement in the world.

🔍 Key Concepts in This Topic:

1️⃣ Reading and Interpreting Maps

🧭 A map is a flat representation of a larger area — it shows direction, distance, symbols, and scale.

You need to know how to:

Use a compass rose (N, S, E, W)
Follow directions and bearings
Understand map symbols and keys
Use a grid reference to locate places

✅ Tip: Always check the legend (map key) and scale!

2️⃣ Understanding Scale

Scale shows the relationship between the drawing and real-life size.

Example:If the scale is 1:100, then 1 cm on the plan = 100 cm in real life.

Common conversions:

cm ↔ m
cm ↔ mm
km ↔ m

✅ Tip: Write down the scale clearly before calculating.

3️⃣ Floor Plans and Building Diagrams

🏡 A floor plan is a bird’s eye view of a building.

You’ll be expected to:

Identify rooms, walls, doors, windows
Measure length, area, and perimeter using the given scale
Interpret symbols (e.g., stairs, sinks, doors)
Calculate costs for tiling, carpeting, painting

✅ Use formulas for area and perimeter to help with calculations.

4️⃣ 3D Representations and Elevations

Sometimes you’ll see side views, front views, or isometric drawings.

You should be able to:

Match 3D objects with 2D views
Visualise real-world objects from diagrams
Calculate measurements (e.g., total wall area for painting)

5️⃣ Maps and Travel

🗺️ Road maps and route diagrams show:

Distance (in km)
Estimated travel time
Toll routes and shortcuts

✅ You might be asked to:

Choose the shortest or fastest route
Calculate petrol costs
Compare routes using time, speed, or distance

🧠 Exam Tips:

✅ Highlight the scale in every question

✅ Convert units before calculating (e.g., cm to m)

✅ Label diagrams clearly when drawing or measuring

✅ Use a ruler and calculator to avoid errors

✅ Always show your units (m, cm², etc.)

✅ Practise past questions with real plans and maps

🧭 Why It Matters

This topic is full of practical value:

Reading maps and directions when travelling
Understanding floor plans when building or renting
Calculating material costs for renovations
Working in construction, architecture, real estate, transport

Maths Lit is not just about numbers — it’s about being smart with space and the world around you.