Geography · Year 6 · Mapping the World: Precision and Perspective · Autumn Term

Understanding Map Symbols and Keys

Students will identify and interpret common Ordnance Survey map symbols and understand the importance of a map key.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• KS2: Geography - Geographical Skills and Fieldwork
• KS2: Geography - Map Skills

About This Topic

Ordnance Survey (OS) maps are a cornerstone of British geography, providing a detailed blueprint of our physical and human landscapes. In Year 6, students move beyond basic recognition to master the precision of six-figure grid references, understanding how these coordinates allow for exact location scouting. This skill is vital for practical applications like mountain rescue, urban planning, and orienteering, aligning with National Curriculum targets for geographical skills and fieldwork.

By exploring symbols and scale, students learn to decode the 'language' of the map, visualizing 3D terrain from a 2D sheet. This topic bridges the gap between abstract classroom learning and real-world navigation. It is particularly effective when taught through active learning, as students grasp the logic of grid references much faster when they have to physically 'hunt' for locations or explain coordinates to a peer.

Key Questions

1. Analyze how map symbols simplify complex real-world features.
2. Differentiate between natural and man-made features using map keys.
3. Explain why a standardized set of map symbols is crucial for navigation.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and classify common Ordnance Survey map symbols representing natural and man-made features.
• Analyze how specific map symbols simplify complex real-world geographical features.
• Explain the necessity of a standardized map key for accurate navigation and interpretation.
• Compare and contrast the representation of different landforms using various map symbols.

Before You Start

Introduction to Maps

Why: Students need a basic understanding of what a map is and its purpose before learning to interpret specific symbols and keys.

Cardinal Directions

Why: Understanding North, South, East, and West is fundamental for orienting oneself on a map and using symbols effectively.

Key Vocabulary

Map Symbol	A small drawing or shape used on a map to represent a real-world object or feature, such as a building, river, or road.
Map Key	A legend on a map that explains what each symbol represents, allowing the map reader to interpret the information accurately.
Ordnance Survey (OS)	The national mapping agency of Great Britain, responsible for creating detailed maps of the country, including the symbols used.
Natural Feature	A geographical element that exists in nature, such as mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests, often represented by specific symbols on maps.
Man-made Feature	A geographical element constructed or created by humans, such as buildings, roads, bridges, and railways, indicated by distinct symbols on maps.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students often confuse the order of eastings and northings.

What to Teach Instead

Use the physical mnemonic 'along the corridor (eastings) and up the stairs (northings)'. Active games where students must physically move across a giant grid on the playground help cement this spatial logic before they move to paper maps.

Common Misconception

Believing that map symbols are always literal drawings of the object.

What to Teach Instead

Explain that symbols are a standardized code. A 'Gallery Walk' of various OS keys helps students see that a blue line is a river, but a blue dashed line might be a water pipe or boundary, requiring careful reading of the legend.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Great OS Scavenger Hunt

In small groups, students receive a local OS map and a list of 'missing persons' last seen at specific six-figure grid references. They must identify the exact landmarks (e.g., a footbridge, a church with a spire) to 'rescue' them, recording the symbol found at each point.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Scale Surgeons

Pairs compare a 1:25,000 map and a 1:50,000 map of the same area. They must identify three things visible on the larger scale map that disappear on the smaller scale, then share with the class why a hiker might prefer one over the other.

20 min·Pairs

Peer Teaching: Grid Reference Gurus

Students who have mastered the 'along the corridor and up the stairs' rule act as mentors. They guide their peers through a series of rapid-fire coordinate challenges on a digital whiteboard or large floor map.

30 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Mountain rescue teams rely on Ordnance Survey maps and their symbols to locate hikers in distress, using symbols for paths, cliffs, and water sources to plan their search routes.
• Urban planners use detailed maps with standardized symbols to identify existing infrastructure, such as utilities, roads, and green spaces, when designing new developments in cities like Manchester.
• Amateur archaeologists use OS maps to identify potential sites of historical interest, recognizing symbols for ancient monuments, earthworks, and burial mounds to guide their fieldwork.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Provide students with a small section of an OS map and a separate list of symbols. Ask them to draw a line connecting each symbol to its correct name and then write one sentence explaining if it represents a natural or man-made feature.

Exit Ticket

Give each student a card with a common OS map symbol. Ask them to write down what the symbol represents and then explain why a clear, standardized symbol is important for someone trying to navigate using that map.

Discussion Prompt

Present students with two different maps of the same area, one with a detailed key and one with a very basic or missing key. Ask: 'Which map is easier to understand and why? What information is missing from the map without a clear key, and how does this affect its usefulness for navigation?'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between four-figure and six-figure grid references?

A four-figure reference points to a 1km square, while a six-figure reference narrows the location down to a 100m square. In Year 6, we focus on the six-figure version to ensure students can identify specific buildings or small features within that larger square.

Why do we still teach paper OS maps in the age of GPS?

Paper maps build fundamental spatial awareness and don't rely on battery life or signal. Understanding the logic behind an OS map allows students to use digital GIS tools more effectively, as they understand the layers of data being presented.

How can active learning help students understand OS maps?

Active learning turns an abstract grid into a puzzle. By using simulations like 'Mountain Rescue' or 'Urban Explorer,' students apply grid references to solve problems. This move from passive reading to active application ensures the mathematical logic of coordinates is retained through practical experience.

What equipment do I need for this topic?

Ideally, a set of local 1:25,000 Explorer maps. If budgets are tight, you can print specific sections from the OS website or use digital versions on tablets, though physical handling of a large map is a key curriculum skill.