Are you planning a hiking trip or a countryside walk? Or maybe you're a geography student who needs to understand the symbols on an Ordnance Survey map? Whatever your reason, if you're looking for an explanation of the Ordnance Survey map key, you've come to the right place.
What is an Ordnance Survey Map?
The Ordnance Survey is the national mapping agency of Great Britain, and it has been creating maps for over 225 years. An Ordnance Survey map is a detailed representation of the British landscape, showing physical features such as hills and rivers, as well as human-made features such as roads and buildings.
What is an Ordnance Survey Map Key?
An Ordnance Survey map key is a guide to the symbols and abbreviations used on an Ordnance Survey map. The key is usually located in the margin of the map, and it provides a quick reference to the meaning of different symbols and colors.
Understanding the Symbols on an Ordnance Survey Map
Ordnance Survey maps use a range of symbols and colors to represent different features of the landscape. Here are some of the most common symbols and what they represent:
Contours
Contours are brown lines that show the shape of the land. They represent a constant height above sea level, and the closer together they are, the steeper the slope.
Water Features
Blue lines represent rivers, streams, and other water features. Blue shading represents bodies of water such as lakes and reservoirs. The number next to the blue line indicates the height of the water above sea level.
Buildings
Black squares represent buildings. The type of building is indicated by the shape of the symbol: a rectangle represents a house, while a circle represents a public building such as a church or school.
Roads and Paths
Red lines represent major roads, while smaller roads are shown in white. Footpaths and bridleways are shown in green. Numbers next to the roads indicate the road number, while numbers next to footpaths and bridleways indicate the length of the path in kilometers.
Using the Ordnance Survey Map Key
To use the Ordnance Survey map key, simply locate the symbol you are interested in on the map, and then find the corresponding symbol in the key. The key will tell you what the symbol represents and any additional information that may be relevant.
Conclusion
Understanding the Ordnance Survey map key is essential if you want to make the most of your map. By familiarizing yourself with the symbols and abbreviations, you can navigate your way through the British countryside with confidence.
