New
New
Features of an OS map
I can use a key on an OS map to identify features and landforms.
Lesson 6 of 12
New
New
- Year 7
Features of an OS map
I can use a key on an OS map to identify features and landforms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- OS maps use symbols to show human and physical features.
- A key is used to explain what each symbol represents.
- The details around the outside of the OS map give locational information such as the three norths.
- Symbols differ between a 1:25 000 and 1:50 000 map.
Keywords
Scale - scale on a map shows what size the area that is represented in the map really is
Ordnance Survey (OS) - the national mapping agency for Great Britain
Key - explains what the different symbols or colours used on the map mean
Compass - an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction relative to north, east, south and west
Topography - the landforms and features of land surfaces
Common misconception
Maps always have the same symbols.
You find different symbols depending on the scale of your map.
Bring in paper OS maps and a map key for students to have a look at.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do you find on a physical map?
What do you find on a physical map?
population
Q2.Which of the following best describes a large-scale map?
Which of the following best describes a large-scale map?
It shows a very large area with little detail
It shows the entire world
It shows global trade routes only
Q3.What can maps be used for?
What can maps be used for?
news and events
Q4.Hows do we represent real life distance on a map?
Hows do we represent real life distance on a map?
key
North arrow
coordinates
Q5.Which of these is the correct order?
Which of these is the correct order?
North, East, West, South
East, West, South, North
West, North, East, South
Q6.Which of these is not a digital map?
Which of these is not a digital map?
Google maps
Google Earth
Sat Nav
GIS maps
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Q2.What do OS maps have on them?
What do OS maps have on them?
Photographs
Q3.Which of these statements is most accurate about map symbols?
Which of these statements is most accurate about map symbols?
All maps use the exact same symbols
Symbols change randomly between maps
Every map key has to follow global rules
Q4.Where can you find what the symbols mean on an OS map?
Where can you find what the symbols mean on an OS map?
Scale bar
Grid references
On the back
Q5.What does a P stand for on an OS map?
What does a P stand for on an OS map?
Post Office
Public area
Q6.What does a pink triangle represent on an OS map?
What does a pink triangle represent on an OS map?
Place of worship
Pub
Nature reserve
Bus station
