Interpreting Map Features and Legends (c7B)

Forestry

Anticipatory Set• You are a cartographer. The following features need

to be placed on a map. On your notecard, demonstrate how you would symbolize each feature. Be ready to share and justify your symbology.

Feature SymbologyRoad

Farmland

Forested-area

Lakes

Buildings

Railroads

Fence line

What is a map?

• Map – a symbolic representation of selected characteristics occurring at a location that is used to display spatial relationships

• Cartographer – a person who makes maps

All maps should include:• Title – text about what the map is displaying• Date – when the map was made or last updated• Legend – uses symbols and/or colors to represent important

information on a map• Orientation – directions on a map, normally represented by a

North Arrow (symbol that indicates north) or a Compass Rose (symbol that indicates N, S, E, W)

• Author – cartographer or organization that made the map• Scale Bar – relationship between actual distance on earth and

distance on a map• Sources – where the map information came from

Common Map Features

• 3 types of map symbolsPoint symbols – cities, site locations (i.e.,

cemeteries, benchmarks, monuments, etc…) Line symbols – roads, rivers, fence lines, railroads,

power lines, etc…Area/Polygon symbols – lakes, vegetation stands,

political boundaries, state/federal parks, etc…

• Common Map Color CodingBrown – land or earth feature (contour lines, sand

dunes, gravel roads, etc…) Light Blue – water features (lakes, rivers, marshes,

swamps, etc…) Green – vegetation features (nature reserves,

woodlands, orchards, recreation sites, etc…)Black – construction features (roads, railways,

buildings, bridges, power lines, etc…)

Common Map Features

What is a Legend?

• Legend – uses symbols and/or colors to represent important information on a map

Interpreting a MapWhat is being shown with this map?

What does the large yellow circle represent on the map?

What part of Texas had the most forest fires between 2009 and 2011?

What key elements are missing from this map that would help improve it?