Map symbols are essential for conveying information on maps without cluttering them with text. They are explained via a key that must accompany the map, allowing users to understand various symbols representing features like places of interest and woodland types. Familiarity with common symbols can expedite navigation while personalized maps also require user-defined symbols and accompanying keys.

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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