New
New
Year 7

Features of an OS map

I can use a key on an OS map to identify features and landforms.

New
New
Year 7

Features of an OS map

I can use a key on an OS map to identify features and landforms.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. OS maps use symbols to show human and physical features.
  2. A key is used to explain what each symbol represents.
  3. The details around the outside of the OS map give locational information such as the three norths.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 7 geography lesson on: Features of an OS map, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What do you find on a physical map?

Correct answer: mountains
Correct answer: height of the land
Correct answer: rivers
population

Q2.
Which of the following best describes a large-scale map?

It shows a very large area with little detail
It shows the entire world
Correct answer: It shows a small area with a lot of detail
It shows global trade routes only

Q3.
What can maps be used for?

Correct answer: locating places
Correct answer: presenting data
Correct answer: directions
news and events

Q4.
Hows do we represent real life distance on a map?

key
North arrow
coordinates
Correct answer: scale

Q5.
Which of these is the correct order?

North, East, West, South
East, West, South, North
Correct answer: North, East, South, West
West, North, East, South

Q6.
Which of these is not a digital map?

Correct answer: Ordnance Survey map
Google maps
Google Earth
Sat Nav
GIS maps

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keyword to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:Scale,Shows what the area on the map represents in real life

Shows what the area on the map represents in real life

Correct Answer:Ordnance Survey,National mapping agency for Great Britain

National mapping agency for Great Britain

Correct Answer:Key,Explains the meaning of symbols or colours on a map

Explains the meaning of symbols or colours on a map

Correct Answer:Compass,Shows direction relative to north, east, south, west

Shows direction relative to north, east, south, west

Correct Answer:Topography,The landforms and features of land surfaces

The landforms and features of land surfaces

Q2.
What do OS maps have on them?

Correct answer: An arrow to show which way is North
Correct answer: A scale bar
Photographs
Correct answer: Key to the symbols
Correct answer: Grid reference numbers

Q3.
Which of these statements is most accurate about map symbols?

All maps use the exact same symbols
Symbols change randomly between maps
Correct answer: Symbols can vary depending on the scale and purpose of the map
Every map key has to follow global rules

Q4.
Where can you find what the symbols mean on an OS map?

Scale bar
Correct answer: Map key
Grid references
On the back

Q5.
What does a P stand for on an OS map?

Post Office
Correct answer: Parking area
Public area

Q6.
What does a pink triangle represent on an OS map?

Place of worship
Pub
Nature reserve
Correct answer: Youth hostel
Bus station