What does a map key do?

A map legend or key is a visual explanation of the symbols used on the map. It typically includes a sample of each symbol (point, line, or area), and a short description of what the symbol means. Creating a well laid out legend will enhance the overall gestalt of the maps visual appearance.

What is a map key on a map?

Definition: A key or legend is a list of symbols that appear on the map. For example, a church on the map may appear as a cross, a cross attached to a circle, a cross attached to a square. The symbol Sch means School. Symbols and colours can also represent different things like roads, rivers and land height.

What does a compass do on a map?

The compass is used primarily to take bearings. A bearing is a horizontal angle measured clockwise from north (either magnetic north or true north) to some point (either a point on a map or a point in the real world) (see Figure 6.8).

What is a key on a compass?

: a small screwdriver or pin wrench for tightening or loosening the joints of compasses.

Why is a map key called a legend?

4 Answers. “Legend” implies that its entries are generics, as with terrain types on a map, while “key” implies that its entries are specific, as with one symbol designating the Museum of Natural History, another the Metropolitan Museum of Art, etc.

What Does Key mean in geography?

A key is a small, low-lying coral island. Like all coral islands, keys are the remnants of ancient coral reefs, and many keys are still ringed by healthy reef ecosystems. Over time, the top of a coral reef is exposed to the surface.

What is compass on map called?

A compass rose, sometimes called a wind rose or rose of the winds, is a figure on a compass, map, nautical chart, or monument used to display the orientation of the cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west) and their intermediate points.

What are map key symbols?

map legend
A map key is an inset on a map that explains the symbols, provides a scale, and usually identifies the type of map projection used. Technically, the key is part of the map legend. The key explains the symbols while the legend holds the key and other information.

Why is reading the map key?

The legend of the map, also referred to as the key of a map, defines the features that are located on that map. Map legends or keys are necessary because maps can be cluttered with many different symbols, and without the legend, the reader may be overwhelmed by the amount of information presented.

What is a compass geography?

Definition: A compass is a piece of equipment that can help you navigate where to go. A compass always points North, to the magnetic North Pole. When using a map to navigate, a compass can be used to find North and then the intended direction of travel.