Reading maps and knowing how to get from one
place to another is crucial in law enforcement. Spatial orientation, particularly through map reading, most likely will show up in some form on your police exam. The good news is that doing well on these questions does not involve memorization. Your key goal is
simply knowing how to get from one location to another in the shortest route
possible. These exam questions will test you on how well you understand map locations
and directions.
Here are some key tips for you to follow to find success on spatial orientation questions.
As in any part of the test, first and foremost always read the directions and map elements carefully—make sure you have a good sense of what you're looking at and the rules you need to know and follow. All maps represent direction, streets, and location elements differently, so you want to make sure you understand what is being represented symbolically.
When looking at any map there will always be a compass or part of one. Check the compass and get familiar with the directions it lays out for the map you are observing. If there is only a partial compass, as it may just point north, then fill in the rest of the compass with south, east, and west. (If you are able to write in a test booklet, sketch directly within; if not, sketch out a full compass on your scratch paper.) Do not try to use your memory on this, even if you think you have a fantastic sense of direction. During the test, it is better to have something to look at and use as a point of reference.
Another important feature you need to be aware of is corners. Remember, there are four corners to every location. If the question
is asking you to go to the northeast corner of a particular intersection, first look at your
compass above the map and figure out which corner you need to focus on.
Next, after making sure you understand the compass, you want to carefully review the map. Take a
moment to study it. Take note of key locations: banks, hospitals, a police
station, or a firehouse. Know where they are in relation to each other. Sometimes, a map may note that the building entrance is on a specific side. Take note of where these entrances are, if they are shown.
After that, you need to look at the streets and take very close notice of any one-way or two-way streets. There may be a ledger at the top or bottom of the given map that will show all map symbols and what they represent. For street direction, representation may be as simple as a line with an arrow pointing in a single direction for a one-way street and a line with arrows on both sides for a two-way street. Take note of dead-end streets and streets that are interrupted by a building or structure but resume on the other side.
There are really no secret tricks to this exercise—you just have to read carefully and avoid careless mistakes. Once you have the map elements down, you can make your way to the questions, which will ask you to find the most efficient route from Point A to Point B.
Don't rush, and don't make assumptions—when asked for the quickest route, take the time to sketch out the routes you are considering on your exam if you are permitted to write on it. Use a pencil, and erase if you need to. Too many marks and cross-outs will clutter your map and your brain, so aim to keep your sketching as clean and neat as possible. If you cannot write on the test booklet, use a scrap piece of paper, and sketch it out that way.
Take each answer choice one by one, and either keep for later review or eliminate. For example, if one of the choices suggests going down a one-way street the wrong way, cross that off and move on. Several choices will most likely be correct with regard to getting to the destination given to you. But remember, you are looking for the shortest route possible to the location. If a choice seems correct, don't rush to select it and move on—it may get you there, but not by the shortest route.
Do not make snap assumptions without really studying the given map. One common mistake is assuming that the highway is always the fastest way to get to a location. For example, if one of the choices has a highway or a major boulevard and does not violate any traffic regulations, don't automatically choose it. These questions do not typically factor different speed limits into the premise. Even if you might be able to travel faster on a main road in the real world, these questions ask specifically about the shortest route. Think: Even if this is a highway or major road, is it a little out of the way as compared to another choice? It does not matter how fast you may be able to drive on a larger road—you are looking for the shortest route.
For the most part you must follow all traffic regulations. You are not at the point in your police career yet where you might have to go down the wrong way on a one-way street, or drive through small alleyways, or even cut across sidewalks for high priority and emergency calls. During the test, obey all laws unless you are strictly directed to do otherwise.
Let’s look at another map so you can practice
and become more comfortable when learning how to read and interpret one on the fly. Take a few minutes to assess the following map. Then, we'll walk through some practice questions together.
You are standing in front of the police station when a man on foot stops and asks you to help him find the library. You should tell him to
The correct choice is (C). It takes you right to Avenue B, where you would walk westbound. Remember you are walking, not driving. At the end of the park, turn right, and then walk one block up to the entrance on Grand Avenue.
Let’s try another one.
After responding to a call at the firehouse, you are ready to drive back to the police station for the end of your shift. What is the quickest legal route?
The correct answer is (A). It is the shortest legal route to the police station. Choice (B) is not only long but goes the wrong the way on 1st Avenue. Choice (C) will lead you away from 1st Avenue, not toward it. Choice (D) takes you the wrong way on Avenue C.
With this specific map, here are some things to keep in mind. If the question involves walking, like our first one, it does not matter which way you walk. You are allowed to walk both ways on a street. However, make sure the map shows no indication that the street is closed off owing to construction. Also, be careful if the street is a dead end, and you need to get to the other side. If the question calls for you to walk, also read the choices carefully. Do not let the wording throw you off. For instance, “walk north to Avenue B, then west on Avenue B.” You may think that you cannot walk on Avenue B twice, but it is not saying that. It is saying walk north to Avenue B. Also, be careful and take notice of entrance points and on what streets they are located.
Now that you have these tips, let’s try another practice question for the same map.
You are dispatched from the police station to an altercation occurring on the northeast corner of the public park. Which is the most direct and legal route to drive there?
The correct answer is (B). Both Choices (A) and (C) take you the wrong way on 1st Avenue. Choice (D) gets you to the southeast corner of the park instead of the northwest corner.
This question has you leaving the entrance point of the police station. The correct choice assumes you are going west on 1st Avenue, which is why it is not stated in any of the answers. Be careful, because Choices (A) and (C) do not say to go east on 1st Avenue, they say to go east to another street.
When you are driving around your own neighborhood, think and
visualize routes, directions, and how would you get from one location to another
the quickest way. Instead of just using GPS, start sharpening your mind and think about directions.