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 symbols mean.
what the
►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
â–şThe 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.
â–şThe 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.
• The scale of a map is usually shown in three different ways. 1.
As a ratio - 1:25 000
3.
In words -
4cm to 1km – 2½ inches to 1 mile
5. With a Scale bar This can normally be found at the bottom of the map.
►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 Arrows
Surprisingly, there are 3! 1. Magnetic North 2. True North 3. 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 production Maps 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 heights These 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
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