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Seedlings Geography

Geography · First maps

The map key

Little pictures that tell you what's what.

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What is a map key?

A map key shows little pictures called symbols. Each picture means something on the map. A tree picture means there are trees. A house picture means there is a house. The key tells you what each picture means. Without the key, you wouldn't know what's what!

Why do we need a map key?

Maps are too small to show real things. So we use symbols instead. A blue wavy line might mean a river. A red square might mean a shop. The key is like a special guide. It helps you read the map correctly!

Finding symbols on a map

First, look at the key. Find the symbol you want to learn about. Then look at the map. Find that same symbol on the map. Now you know what that place is! You can find trees, parks, roads and more.

Making your own map key

You can draw your own map! Draw a map of your bedroom or garden. Then make a key with symbols. A bed symbol for your bed. A flower symbol for flowers. Your key helps others understand your map. Well done!

Worked examples

  1. 1. The map key shows a green circle means a tree. What does the green circle on the map mean?

    1. Look at the key first.
    2. Find the green circle in the key.
    3. The key says green circle means a tree.
    4. So the green circle on the map is a tree!

  2. 2. You want to find the playground on a map. The key shows a swing symbol for playgrounds. What should you look for?

    1. Check the key for the playground symbol.
    2. The key shows a swing picture.
    3. Now look at the map.
    4. Find the swing symbol to find the playground!

  3. 3. A map shows three blue wavy lines. The key says blue wavy lines mean rivers. How many rivers are there?

    1. Count the blue wavy lines on the map.
    2. There are three blue wavy lines.
    3. The key says each one is a river.
    4. So there are three rivers!

Try it yourself

The map key shows a red triangle means a mountain. You see two red triangles on the map. What are they?

Ready to test yourself?

Take a short topic test — every question maps to a syllabus point so you’ll see exactly which parts you’ve mastered.