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Map reading and keys

Sue holding a map next to a bench and cake.

Symbols show important landmarks, places and areas. They are used because maps are usually too small to contain lots of writing

A key is a guide which explains what the symbols on the map mean. It is usually at the side of the map.

Sue holding a map next to a bench and cake.
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Watch: Contours, keys and symbols

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Symbols

A map with icons showing features like parking.

Symbols are often similar on different types of map. For example, blue symbols are used for buildings or tourist attractions.

Footpaths are usually represented by dotted green lines.

Different types of roads are shown in different colours - blue for a motorway, red for a main road and yellow or orange for narrower roads.

The key below shows what each of the symbols on the map means.

A map with symbols on it and a key to the right.
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Watch: Map symbols and directions

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Contours

A map with contour lines.

Some maps, especially ones that people use to find their way around the countryside, contain contour lines.

These are lines that show high and low areas of land measured in metres above sea level.

A map with contour lines.
A map of Snowdonia's summit. The contour lines are very close together.Image source, CREDIT: CROWN COPYRIGHT.
Image caption,
A map of Snowdonia's summit.

The contour lines join up areas of the same height. When they are close together, it means the hill or mountain is steep. When they are far apart, it means the land is gently sloping, or undulating (up and down). Spot heights show the height of a particular feature.

This is useful to know when planning a route. You can work out whether it is going to be a hike up a steep mountainside or a walk on flat ground. If climbing Snowdonia in Wales for example, you can expect it to be steep.

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Activity: Quiz 鈥 Contours, keys and symbols

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