Map Scales and Legends

Maps use special tools to help you understand what you are looking at. A scale tells you how distances on the map compare to real distances. A legend, also called a key, tells you what the symbols and colors on the map mean.

Understanding Map Scales

A map scale shows how much the real world has been shrunk to fit on the map. A scale bar looks like a small ruler on the map. It shows that one inch on the map might equal one mile in real life. Some maps cover a whole country, while others show just a neighborhood.

Reading a Map Legend

A map legend is a box that explains the symbols used on the map. A small airplane symbol might mean an airport. A tent might mean a campground. Blue lines usually show rivers. Different colors might show different countries or types of land. Always check the legend first.

Fun Facts

• Ancient maps often had drawings of sea monsters in areas that had not been explored yet.
• A large-scale map shows a small area in great detail, like a city block.
• A small-scale map shows a large area with less detail, like a whole country.

Did You Know?

The legend on a treasure map in a pirate story is usually marked with an X for where the treasure is buried!