Map symbols

A map is a representation of the Earth's surface or part of it on a flat surface, such as paper or a screen. Maps help us to understand the location of places, features, and geographical details about an area. The practice of creating maps is called cartography, and the person who creates maps is known as a cartographer.

Maps use symbols to represent real-life features, because it would be difficult to represent large objects like mountains or rivers accurately on a small piece of paper. These symbols are simple drawings or shapes that stand for real-world objects or features.

What is a symbol in map reading?

In map reading, a symbol is a picture, shape, or icon used on a map to represent an object or feature found in the real world. For example, a symbol might represent a river, a road, a house, or a bridge.

Here is how to draw symbols for various features:

1. River: Draw a wavy line to represent the flow of water.

   

2. Bridge: Draw an arch over a river or road, showing where the bridge exists.

   

3. Main Road: A thick line with parallel dashes along the line to represent a main road.

   

4. Fruit Garden: A small group of tree-like symbols.

5. Residential Houses: Small square or rectangular shapes, usually with a roof-like triangle on top.