Features of a map

Contents of a map.A map will normally have the following features:

►The name of the area covered. - Title►Symbols ►Key or legend that explains

what the symbols mean.►A scale to convert distance on the map to

actual distance on the ground.►Place names.

Some maps will also have…►A grid system of lines to allow you to

pinpoint your location.►Contour lines to show the height of

the ground.►North Arrows►Date of production►Spot heights

►The name of the area covered. -The Title

And the corresponding number for the map.

As well as the type of map.

►Symbols

►Maps often use symbols instead of words to label real-life features and make the maps clearer.

►They represent features on the ground like a:• Place of

worship• Forest• Cliff edge.

►The Key or legend on the map explains what the symbols mean.

This is often found at the bottom, or the side of the map.

►A Scale to convert distance on the map to actual distance on the ground.

1. As a ratio - 1:25 000

2. In words - 4cm to 1km – 2½ inches to 1 mile

3. With a Scale bar This can normally be found at the bottom of the map.

• The scale of a map is usually shown in three different ways.

►Place names.

Such as:

• Polton Hill

• Stoughton

• Oadby

►A Grid System of lines to allow you to pinpoint your location.

• The straight blue lines on the map form a grid network.

• Vertical lines are called Eastings

• Horizontal lines are called Northings

• Each line has a specific 2 digit number

►Contour lines are the brown squiggly lines which represent the height of the ground.They can also show the shape of the land.

• They have corresponding numbers, which tell you their height above sea level.

• The number are always written facing uphill, so that you can see which way the land slopes.

►North ArrowsSurprisingly, there are 3!1. Magnetic North 2. True North3. Grid North

These will be explained more clearly later.

• But they will help you to orientate the map to the ground, and allow you to be more accurate in using bearings.

• Orientate - means to turn the map so that it is lined up with North.

• Bearings - are directions given in degrees (e.g. 45°)

►Date of productionMaps are dated to the most recent land survey.

This is important to bear in mind, as things change over time, such as:

• Field boundries/fence lines removed

• Housing estates built• Deforestation• New roads/motorways/train

lines

The more recent the map, then the more accurate it will be.

►Spot heightsThese dots with numbers are similar to those used in conjunction with contour lines.

• The numbers tell you their height above sea level at that location.

• They can be found at the tops of hills or mountains.

• They can be found along the edges of roads.

• They are used with a symbol called a Triangulation Point.

(Blue triangle with a dot)

So, these are the 10 main features essential to an Ordnance Survey Map:

► The name of the area covered. - Title► Symbols ► Key or legend that explains what the symbols mean.► A scale to convert distance on the map to actual distance on

the ground.► Place names.► A grid system of lines to allow you to pinpoint your location.► Contour lines to show the height of the ground.► North Arrows► Date of production► Spot heights

When you are ready, take the quiz and test your knowledge!