Geography Topic
Map Symbols and Features
- Read notes
- Flashcards
- Quiz
- Confident
Study focus - 3 things
- Map symbols are small signs that stand for real features such as roads, rivers, schools, churches, and forests
- Human features are made by people; physical features are natural
- Always use the key before guessing what a symbol or feature means
Section 1Map symbols
Map symbols are simple signs used to show real things on a map. They save space and make the map easier to read. The key, also called the legend, explains what each symbol means.
Section 2Human features
Human features are things made or changed by people. Examples include roads, buildings, schools, churches, bridges, farms, settlements, and airports. On a Kingston map, many street and building symbols are human features.
Section 3Physical features
Physical features are natural parts of the landscape. Examples include rivers, beaches, hills, valleys, forests, coastlines, and mountains. These help you understand the shape and natural character of an area.
Section 4Using the key
The same shape or colour can mean different things on different maps, so do not guess. Check the key first, then decide whether the feature is human or physical. This is one of the most common exam slip-ups in map reading.
Examples
A map key shows a blue line for a river and a black line for a road. Which is physical and which is human?
The river is a physical feature because it is natural. The road is a human feature because people built it.
On a map of Jamaica, a small cross marks a church and green shading marks forest. How should you read them?
Check the key first. The church is a human feature, while the forest is a physical feature unless the key says it is a planted or managed area.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.