Maps use symbols to label real-life features and make the maps clearer. With so many features on a map, there would not be enough space to label everything with text. Symbols can be small pictures, letters, lines or coloured areas to show features like campsites, pubs or bus stations.
To find out how close your drawings are to actual Ordnance Survey symbols you can look at the key on an Ordnance Survey map. Maps will usually have a key or a legend. This is a section that will explain what each and every symbol on the map represents.
0:122:02How to Understand OS Map Symbols - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMany of these symbols are very easy to understand they look like the things they represent in theMoreMany of these symbols are very easy to understand they look like the things they represent in the real world trees for example a woodland is represented by a green patch.
parish boundariesBoundary stones These usually still mark modern parish boundaries – look to see if there are grey dashed lines on the map that run up to and away from the stone. On the stone itself, look for initials that indicate which parish boundaries are marked by the stone.
Pits are a fine example. Each one is marked as if it were a key feature to notice or negotiate – the map yielding these features – pit (dis) – as if they were waypoints on a quest.
You'll never mistake them for a water feature: the symbol is a blue triangle with a dot in the middle. Rivers do not flow in small triangles.
Let's get started!Title. It may seem a simple place to start, but every map needs a title. ... Map Scale. To put the information of the map into context, cartographers must add a map scale. ... Map Key (Map Legend) ... Compass Rose. ... Latitude and Longitude.
Symbols help us to include lots of detail on maps that are drawn to scale . They include simple images, letters and abbreviations.
Coach HouseOrdnance Survey Abbreviations(C)Close (Boulders)CHCoach HouseCHCoach HouseCHCoal HouseCh YdChurch Yard123 more rowsOrdnance Survey Abbreviations - National Library of Scotland Mapshttps://maps.nls.uk › abbrevhttps://maps.nls.uk › abbrev
DefacedOrdnance Survey AbbreviationsDDale, Drive, DroveDefDefacedDenbDenbighshireDeptDepartmentDerbyDerbyshire39 more rowsOrdnance Survey Abbreviations - National Library of Scotland Mapshttps://maps.nls.uk › abbrevhttps://maps.nls.uk › abbrev