Map Skills 3 ‘OS Symbols’

1.
To understand
how we use
map symbols to
identify
different places
on a map.
Explain the
terms ‘Symbols’
and ‘Key’.
What is this a symbol
for?
Why do we use symbols?
When drawing a map to scale, it is important to
include as much detail as possible.
However, not all the detail will fit on the map, so we use
different images, abbreviations and letters to represent
the main items on the map.
O.S. map symbols
Match the O.S. symbol to the correct description
1
2
coniferous forest
bus station 7
3
4
deciduous forest 3
picnic site
5
camp site 1
view point 5
6
church with a tower
secondary road
7
marsh 4
train station 8
8
main road 6
church with a spire 2
Name the O.S. symbol
O.S. map symbols
Identify all the symbols you can spot on this
Ordnance Survey map.
Hint - There are 11 different symbols to identify!
Did you spot them all?
contour line
minor road
river
buildings
pond
telephone
public house
main road
chapel
footpath
church with a tower
O.S. map symbols
Pupil Activities
Complete activity 2 on page 97 from the
Foundation textbooks.
 You will need a pencil, ruler, rubber and
sharpener.
 HOMEWORK
 Draw a map of an island of your own.
Use at least 15 different symbols.
Name your towns, villages and other
main features. Give your map a title.
