Grade 9 - Geography - Map symbols

​Map symbols

​Milos Vidosavljevic

Geography Teacher

SAIS - UAQ - UAE ​

Lesson objectives:

- I can define map symbols​

- I can identify different map symbols

- I can identify the importance of map symbols​

Open Ended

Brainstorming: Why do we need symbols on a map?

About symbols

- Symbols are simple signs that are used to represent something else. Since a map is a reduced representation of the real world the use of symbols to represent particular features are necessary.

​Map symbols combine both - colors and shapes.

Open Ended

Where do we find symbols on a map?

​Where do we find symbols?

- Map symbols we can find in the Map Legend / Key on every map.

Map symbol types

- All map symbols can be classified as referring to points, lines or areas.

Multiple Choice

What does this symbol mean?

• Airport
• Gas station
• Hospital
• School

Multiple Choice

What does this symbol mean?

• Airport
• Restaurant
• Hospital
• Park

Multiple Choice

What does this symbol mean?

• private

• pedestrians

• car park

• pointless

Multiple Choice

What does a key on a map do?

• Shows you how to fold the map

• Shows you which way up to hold the map

• Shows you what language the map is written in

• Shows you what the symbols mean

Multiple Choice

What does this map symbol mean?

• car park

• airport

• park

• golf course

Match

Match the following types of symbols with real-life examples.

• Point symbols

• Line symbols

• Area symbols

Nodes, Houses, Post office

Roads, telecommunication networks, Highways

Airport, Forest, Park

• Nodes, Houses, Post office

• Roads, telecommunication networks, Highways

• Airport, Forest, Park

Open Ended

EXIT TICKET:

1. Where do we find symbols on a map?

2. What symbol type will be used to show a road on a map?