Nikki Learns about Symbols and a Key
People who make maps (cartographers) use symbols to represent things on the ground. For example, in a map of a city, mapmakers will not draw a separate picture of every school. Instead, they will probably draw a simple picture of a school and use that to show every school on the map.
Now you know that symbols on a map represent something on the ground.
When you look at a map, you may not know what all its symbols mean. So, on a map, symbols are identified in an area called the key or the legend.
A map's key or legend explains what symbols on a map mean.
Here is a key for the map above.
When you look at a map, you may not know what all its symbols mean. So, on a map, symbols are identified in an area called the key or the legend.
A map's key or legend explains what symbols on a map mean.
Here is a key for the map above.
Thanks to the United States Geological Survey for the information and materials found on this site.