When reading coordinates on a grid map, what is the cardinal rule for the order of the numbers?

Prepare for the Maine Fish and Game Officer Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question features hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

When you read coordinates on a grid map, you move horizontally to the correct vertical grid line first, then vertically to the correct horizontal line. The first number shows how far east you are (eastings), and the second shows how far north you are (northings). This eastings-then-northings order standardizes how you locate a point: you pick the right column first, then the right row. It’s the convention used in grid systems like UTM and other map grids, so coordinates are interpreted consistently in the field. Latitudes and longitudes describe position on the curved earth and aren’t used for grid-line coordinates, which is why reading order differs from the geographic coordinate format.