Map Symbols
Let’s Get Learning!
Maps are like secret codes – full of symbols and colours that tell us what’s on the ground without using too many words. To read an Ordnance Survey (OS) map, you need to understand these symbols.
Once you do, you’ll be able to find towns, rivers, forests, campsites, viewpoints, and even phone boxes with ease!
🧭 What Are OS Maps?
OS stands for Ordnance Survey, the national mapping agency for Great Britain.
OS maps are detailed and show everything from motorways to small footpaths.
Every OS map comes with a key or legend, which explains what each symbol means. Learning the most common ones will make you a map-reading pro!
🗺️ Directions and Symbols
North (N): The letter “N” always points to north – a vital tool for navigation.
Lines and Colours:
Blue lines usually mean water (like rivers, lakes, canals, or streams).
Red lines are often major roads.
Motorways have their own special colour.
Green shading is used for woodlands or forests.
Brown often shows height and landforms, such as contour lines or paths.
Grey or pink shading can show built-up areas, like towns and cities.
Churches are marked differently depending on whether they have a tower or a spire.
Special symbols also show windmills, telephone boxes, or railway stations.
Tourist and leisure information symbols help travellers spot things like museums, picnic sites, or golf courses.
🚶 Paths, Roads, and Travel
OS maps show different types of routes:
Footpaths (usually dashed black lines).
Footpaths Bridleways and tracks, each with their own style of dashed or dotted lines.
railway vegetation signs:
Campsites, car parks, and viewpoints also have their own unique icons.
✅ Top Tips for Map Symbols
Always check the key – every OS map has one!
Remember colours:
Blue = water
Green = woodland
Brown = hills and land height
Red = main roads
Grey/Pink = urban areas
Look for small triangles: Blue = campsite or youth hostel, Brown = hill summit.
Solid vs. dashed lines: solid lines usually mean roads or rivers; dashed ones mean paths or trails.
Practice spotting landmarks: churches, car parks, toilets, and tourist spots all have symbols you can learn by repetition.
Use north (N): always orient your map so you don’t get lost!
Test yourself: cover the key and try to remember what each symbol means.
