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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
– but each one will tell tower
you a little bit about
what the church looks Church with a
like. 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.
1. Check your knowledge
of OS map symbols –
click here
2. Click here for map
symbol exercise
Or click here to
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