How a Map Key Works

A map key helps a reader understand how to read a map. Typically, it lists symbols that can be found on the map along with what they mean. A blue square may indicate a type of building, while a green triangle may represent a forest. The map key also includes the map’s scale; for example, one inch on the map may actually be one mile in the real world.

Some maps differentiate between a map key and a map legend. These terms are typically used interchangeably, but sometimes a map includes both a key and legend. In these cases, the key contains the list of symbols used on the map, and the legend includes the scale, abbreviations, and compass rose to show the cardinal directions.

While most maps are different from each other, some symbols can be commonly found in the same kind of map. City maps tend to use similar symbols, for example, while those same symbols on a topographic map may mean something else. Check out these common symbols and see how many you can recognize.

When navigating a city, you’ll want to know the difference between roads, highways, and other parts of the town. A good map key can help you find your way around any city, even when you don’t know the exact location. Some common symbols found on a city map include:

• Large square or rectangle – large building
• Small square – house
• Square with a flag on top – school (sch: elementary, HS: high school, Univ: University)
• Square with a cross on top – church
• Square with crosses inside – cemetery
• Square with an M inside – museum
• Square with an X on top – windmill
• Filled-in circles – tanks
• Picnic bench – campsite or picnic area

You may see all of the above on a road map. However, when you’re driving, you’ll often want to look for features on a map that provide food, gas, lodging, or a restroom. You may see these symbols on a road map:

• Solid line – road
• Double solid line – highway or freeway
• Line with dashes – railroad
• Dotted line – trail or unimproved road
• Blue box with an H – hospital
• Black box with a P – parking
• Black box with a fork and knife – restaurant
• Black box with a man and woman symbol – restroom
• Black box with a gas pump – gas station
• Box with a bed – hotel or lodging
• Airplane – airport

Examples of political maps can be found in an atlas. These maps often include differently colored countries, border lines, and basic geological features. Here are some symbols that you’re likely to see on a political map:

• Solid line – border between countries
• Dotted line – border between states or provinces
• Star – capital city
• Large black dot – major cities
• Small black dot – smaller cities
• Blue lines – rivers
• Jagged lines – mountain ranges

Topographic maps depict an area’s terrain or elevation. Land developers and outdoors enthusiasts alike depend on topographic maps to show where potential hazards can be. Some features found on a topographic map key include:

• Contoured lines – elevation (indicated in scale)
• Concentric circles – land depression
• Collection of triangles or circles – groups of trees; forests
• Circle with a dot in the middle – landmark (fixed point)
• Circle with perpendicular lines – observation spot
• Diamond with a dot in the middle – international boundary monument
• Dash-dot-dash line – pipeline
• Array of dashes or circles – crops or farms
• Array of straight lines – vineyard
• Lighter colors – land has lower elevation (closer to sea level)
• Darker colors – land has higher elevation

Now that you know how to read a map key, increase your map-reading skills further by learning the different parts of a map. Then there’s nothing standing between you and your next travel adventure! Traveling not only helps you practice your map navigation skills, but it can also open your mind to the world around you. Get inspired by these thoughtful quotes about traveling.