Map Symbols, Legend & Keys — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A map legend is a box that explains symbols.
The little box on a map that names every symbol and tells you what it means is called the legend.
2. The color blue on a map often means water.
Map makers usually color rivers, lakes, and oceans blue because water looks blue, so blue spots almost always mean water.
3. A compass rose shows four directions.
A compass rose has four arms pointing to north, south, east, and west — those four main directions.
4. A dot on a map can stand for a city.
Cities are often marked with a single small dot because the city is just one spot on the bigger map.
5. North is at the top of most maps.
Most maps are drawn with north pointing up, so north sits at the top of the page.
6. A map key helps you understand what each picture means.
Without the key, the little pictures would be a mystery — the key is what tells you what each symbol stands for.
7. Green on a map often means grass or forests.
Grass and forests are green in real life, so map makers shade those areas green to show where plants and trees grow.
8. A small airplane symbol might show an airport.
An airplane symbol is a clue that planes take off and land there, which is what we call an airport.
9. The opposite of north is south.
North and south point in opposite directions on a compass rose, so the opposite of north is south.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Star symbol
→ Capital city
Capital city
Blue wavy line
→ River
River
Green area
→ Park or forest
Park or forest
Tiny airplane
→ Airport
Airport
A star usually marks a capital city, wavy blue lines show rivers, green areas mean parks or forests, and a tiny airplane points to an airport — each symbol is a small picture of the real place it stands for.