2.1.4. Create a Map Key

What is a map key?

A map key is a list of the symbols that are shown on a map, and what they mean.

Remember how sandpaper represented desert areas in the last lesson, in the example in Step 3? 

On a key, sandpaper would be listed next to the word “desert” so that everyone viewing the map would know what it represents.

Here are some ideas and tips to add key features for your Landform map:

• Include a scale bar indicating the scale of your map.
• Add a compass to indicate the direction or orientation of your map.
• Add natural the landforms such as desert, mountains, plain, and oceans, if any.
• You can add any other details you think should be referenced.

Here are some graphics you can cut out and use in your key but you can also create your own or cut some out from magazines.

Click to enlarge or right-click to open in a new tab