Map symbols

1
Map symbols
Click here
2
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.

3
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.

4
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.

5
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)

6
Some map symbols can tell you more than just the
location of a feature.
Chapel
For example the following symbols all indicate
churches
Church with a tower
but each one will tell you a little bit about
what the church looks like.
Church with a steeple
7

• 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
8

• 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.

9
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.

• Check your knowledge of OS map symbols click
  here

2. Click here for map symbol exercise
Or click here to return to main menu