Map Symbols, Legend & Keys — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. What is another name for a map key?
A) A map title
B) A map legend
C) A map border
D) A map color
The legend says each tree means a park. If you see three trees, that means there are three parks.
2. A tree symbol on a map most likely shows a what?
A) Store
B) Park or forest
C) Hospital
D) School
Up is not a direction on a compass rose. The compass rose shows north, south, east, and west.
3. Which symbol might stand for a hospital?
A) A star
B) A flag
C) A red cross
D) A circle
Symbols are small pictures that make maps easier to read. Writing out every word would make the map too crowded.
4. If you move down on a map, which direction do you go?
A) North
B) East
C) South
D) West
Without a legend, you cannot understand what the symbols mean because you have no guide to help you.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Every map should have a key to explain its symbols.
A compass rose is shaped like a star and shows all four directions on a map.
2. The compass rose has four main directions.
Every map can use different symbols, so you need to read each map's legend to know what they mean.
3. A small airplane symbol can mean an airport.
The four main directions are north, south, east, and west. They help us know which way to go.
4. A black line on a map often means a road.
Without a key, you would not know what the symbols on the map stand for.
5. We use maps to find our way to new places.
Maps show real places by using symbols and colors because they are easier to read than words.