Map Symbols and Legends
Understanding Simplified Drawings and Icons Used to Represent Real-World Objects on Maps and Plans
In Grade 10 Mathematical Literacy, Map Symbols are simplified drawings or icons used to represent real-world objects and features on maps, floor plans, and seating arrangements. They allow a large amount of information to be shown in a small space without cluttering the representation.
Map Symbols Overview
Map symbols are the language of cartography. They transform complex real-world features into simple, recognizable icons that can be quickly interpreted. Understanding these symbols is essential for reading any map, plan, or diagram effectively.
Symbol Categories
The Map Legend (Key)
Understanding the Legend
Legend = Symbol + Meaning
A Legend or Key is a box provided on the side of a map that explains what each symbol means. You must always refer to the specific key provided in an exam, as symbols can vary slightly between different maps.
Legend Components
Common Map Symbols by Category
Point Symbols
Point symbols represent specific locations or features that occupy a single point on the map.
Line Symbols
Line symbols represent paths, boundaries, or linear features that have length but negligible width.
Area (Polygon) Symbols
Area symbols represent larger regions or spaces filled with colour, pattern, or shading.
Floor Plan Symbols
Drawing Conventions for Buildings
For building layouts, specific "drawing conventions" are used so everyone interprets the plan the same way. These symbols are standardized in architecture and construction.
Walls: Thick solid lines or double parallel lines. External walls are thicker than internal walls.
Doors: Straight line (door panel) and quarter-circle (arc) showing swing direction.
Windows: Three parallel lines within a wall section.
Sinks: Rectangle or circle with a cross inside.
Toilets: Oval shape representing the toilet bowl.
Stove/Oven: Rectangle with circles on top representing burners.
Bed: Rectangle representing the bed frame.
Chair: Square or circle with a backrest line.
Grid References
Understanding Map Grids
Maps are often divided into a grid using letters (A, B, C...) along one axis and numbers (1, 2, 3...) along the other.
Using Grid References
Grid references help you locate symbols and features quickly without searching the entire map.
Seating Plan Symbols
Stadium and Cinema Seating
In stadium or cinema plans, different colours or shapes might represent different ticket tiers, pricing categories, or seating sections.
Red circles: Premium seats (highest price tier)
Blue circles: Standard seats (mid-range pricing)
Green circles: Budget seats (economy sections)
Grey/White squares: Standing areas or general admission
Wheelchair symbol: Accessible seating areas
Row letters: Rows labelled with letters (A, B, C...) from front to back
Seat numbers: Individual seats numbered within each row
Symbol Recognition Examples
Example 1: Road Map
Thick red line north-south, blue line crossing, fuel pump symbol at intersection.
Interpretation
Main road crosses river with petrol station at the bridge.
Example 2: Floor Plan
Thick outer wall, door with arc on right, rectangle with cross in corner.
Interpretation
External wall, door swings inward to the right, sink present - bathroom/kitchen.
Example 3: Seating Plan
Red squares rows D-F, blue rows G-J, green rows K-M.
Interpretation
Three pricing tiers: premium (D-F), standard (G-J), budget (K-M).
Interactive Symbol Matching Challenge
Grid Reference Practice
Practice identifying grid references on this sample map grid.
1 2 3 4
A [P ] [ ] [S ] [ ]
B [ ] [H ] [ ] [G ]
C [ *] [ ] [F ] [ ]
D [ ] [M ] [ ] [C ]
Legend:
P = Post Office H = Hospital F = Fire Station
S = School G = Golf Course M = Museum
* = Picnic Site C = Cinema
Floor Plan Symbol Quiz
Identify the room or feature based on the symbols shown.
Symbol Interpretation Framework
Locate the Legend/Key
Always find the map legend or key first. It is usually in a corner of the map or plan.
Identify the Symbol
Find the symbol you need to interpret on the map. Note its shape, colour, and patterns.
Match to Legend
Look for the exact same symbol in the legend. Read the description next to it.
Note Grid Reference
If the question asks for location, identify the grid square where the symbol is located.
Apply to Context
Use your interpretation to answer the question or describe the feature.
Assessment Focus Areas
Symbol Recognition
Identify common map symbols for points, lines, and areas on various maps.
Key Skills
- Recognize point symbols (PO, school, hospital)
- Interpret line types (roads, rivers, boundaries)
- Understand area colours and patterns
Legend Usage
Effectively use map legends to interpret unfamiliar symbols.
Key Skills
- Locate and read the legend/key
- Match symbols to descriptions
- Understand that symbols can vary
Grid References
Use grid systems to locate features and describe positions.
Key Skills
- Read grid letters and numbers
- Find grid squares for symbols
- Identify symbols in given grids
Floor Plan Symbols
Interpret architectural symbols for walls, doors, windows, and fixtures.
Key Skills
- Identify wall thickness and types
- Understand door swing directions
- Recognize fixture symbols
CAPS Curriculum Requirements
Knowledge and Understanding
- Understand the purpose and use of map legends/keys
- Recognize common point, line, and area symbols
- Know standard floor plan drawing conventions
- Understand grid reference systems on maps
Skills and Applications
- Interpret symbols using provided legends
- Locate features using grid references
- Identify room functions from floor plan symbols
- Read seating plans and understand ticket tiers
Real-World Contexts
- Reading tourist maps and road maps
- Understanding architectural floor plans
- Finding seats in stadiums and cinemas
- Navigating using grid references
