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What is the legend on a map useful for?

What is the legend on a map useful for?

The map legend contains all the symbols (symbology) used in the map to help the reader understand what the polygons, lines, points, or grid cells represent.

Where is the legend of a map found?

Map Legends: The ”legend” of a map is often located in a box set off to one of the corners of the map. Most are labeled as the ”map key” or ”map legend. ” They often look like small charts with both symbols and words.

What information is typically found on a map key?

A map key is an inset on a map that explains the symbols, provides a scale, and usually identifies the type of map projection used. Technically, the key is part of the map legend. The key explains the symbols while the legend holds the key and other information.

How are legends on a map made?

When creating a map, include a clear and legible legend that is positioned in a visible space. Typically, map legends are placed in one of the four corners of the map so that they can be quickly referenced. Draw a box surrounding the legend to clearly separate it from the rest of the map.

What is the purpose of a map legend and scale?

A map legend is a description, explanation, or table of symbols printed on a map or chart to permit a better understanding or interpretation of it. Map legends usually contain information on the map scale as well.

What are symbols on a map?

A symbol is an abstraction or pictorial representation of something else. Symbols on a map consist of discrete points, lines, or shaded areas; they have size, form, and (usually) color. Map symbols present information collectively, leading to appreciation of form, relative position, distribution, and structure.

How do you make a legend on a map?

To add a legend, complete the following steps:

  1. Open a layout with at least one map frame.
  2. Select the map frame in the Contents pane.
  3. Optionally, expand the map in the Contents pane to select a subset of layers.
  4. On the Insert tab, in the Map Surrounds group, click Legend .
  5. Format the legend.

Why is a map key called a legend?

4 Answers. “Legend” implies that its entries are generics, as with terrain types on a map, while “key” implies that its entries are specific, as with one symbol designating the Museum of Natural History, another the Metropolitan Museum of Art, etc.

What is legend or key on map?

Definition: A key or legend is a list of symbols that appear on the map. For example, a church on the map may appear as a cross, a cross attached to a circle, a cross attached to a square. The symbol Sch means School. Symbols and colours can also represent different things like roads, rivers and land height.

How do legends and symbols help you to understand maps?

Map keys and legends are included on a map to unlock it. They give you the information needed for the map to make sense. Maps often use symbols or colors to represent things, and the map key explains what they mean. Symbols in the key might be pictures or icons that represent different things on the map.