Map symbols Click here What are map symbols

Map symbols Click here

What are map symbols? • Maps give us a lot of information and there is not much room for labels. • So we use symbols to save space and make the map easier to read. • Symbols may be simple drawings, letters, shortened words or coloured shapes or areas.

How can we use them? • A map will always have a key to list and explain the meanings of the symbols used. • It is therefore not necessary for you to learn all the OS symbols as you will have a key. However it will make it quicker if you are familiar with some of the more common ones. • If you have to draw your own map, you can make up your own symbols – but remember you must provide a key to explain what they are.

OS map symbols • The OS has its own set of map symbols, often copied by others. • These symbols can be grouped into categories like places of interest (usually shown in black), points of interest for tourists (blue), etc. but every map will have a key for reference.

Some map symbols can tell you more than just the location of a feature. For example the following symbols all indicate churches – but each one will tell you a little bit about what the church looks like. • (Click to find out what)

Some map symbols can tell you more than just the location of a feature. For example the following symbols all indicate churches – but each one will tell you a little bit about what the church looks like. Chapel Church with a tower Church with a steeple

• Areas of woodland too will tell you what type of trees are to be found. • Below is the symbol for a mixed woodland, but the trees could be shown as either just coniferous or just deciduous. Coniferous Deciduous

• Remember to give as much detail as you can. You might be asked where a certain feature is so be sure you know how to pin point its 6 figure grid reference or the grid square/squares it covers. • Now try the following short tests.

In order to do the test you will need to see a copy of this map and its key. If you cannot open this as a separate window then print this page out before you go to the second exercise. 1. Check your knowledge of OS map symbols – click here 2. Click here for map symbol exercise Or click here to return to main menu