Global Explorers: Our Changing World · 6th Class · Mapping the World · Spring Term

Ordnance Survey Symbols and Features

Master the interpretation of standard Ordnance Survey map symbols and their real-world equivalents.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA: Primary - Maps, Globes and Graph Work
• NCCA: Primary - Using Maps

About This Topic

Ordnance Survey symbols form a standardized code for Ireland's topographic maps, allowing precise representation of landscapes. In 6th class, students identify symbols for natural features like contour lines showing height, blue wiggly lines for rivers, and green patterns for forests. They also learn man-made symbols such as solid black lines for major roads, rectangular blocks for buildings, and crossed lines for railways. These connect to key questions on symbol purpose, feature types, and legend building.

This topic aligns with NCCA Primary standards in Maps, Globes and Graph Work and Using Maps. Students practice spatial skills by linking 2D icons to real terrain, differentiating natural from human elements. This builds map literacy for navigation, land analysis, and geography in the Mapping the World unit.

Active learning suits this topic well. Schoolyard hunts matching symbols to actual features, or collaborative legend design from local maps, make icons tangible. Students gain confidence through peer sharing of photos and sketches, turning map reading into a practical skill.

Key Questions

1. Analyze the meaning and purpose of various Ordnance Survey map symbols.
2. Differentiate between natural and man-made features represented on a map.
3. Construct a legend for a given section of an Ordnance Survey map.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the purpose of at least five common Ordnance Survey symbols, explaining their representation of landscape features.
• Differentiate between natural and man-made features by classifying at least ten symbols found on an Ordnance Survey map.
• Construct a clear and accurate legend for a provided map section, including symbol, description, and feature type.
• Compare the visual representation of a specific feature (e.g., a river) across different map scales using Ordnance Survey symbols.
• Identify the real-world location or object corresponding to at least eight different Ordnance Survey symbols on a given map.

Before You Start

Introduction to Maps and Globes

Why: Students need a basic understanding of what maps represent and how they are used to orient themselves before learning specific map symbols.

Basic Spatial Reasoning

Why: The ability to mentally visualize and relate 2D representations to 3D environments is foundational for interpreting map symbols correctly.

Key Vocabulary

Contour lines	Lines on a map that connect points of equal elevation, showing the shape and steepness of the land.
Topographic map	A detailed map that shows the physical features of a land area, including elevation, rivers, roads, and buildings.
Man-made feature	An element on a map that has been constructed or altered by humans, such as roads, buildings, or bridges.
Natural feature	An element on a map that occurs naturally in the environment, such as rivers, mountains, forests, or lakes.
Legend	A key on a map that explains the meaning of the symbols used, allowing the map reader to interpret the information.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Map symbols show features at their exact real-world size.

What to Teach Instead

Symbols represent scaled abstractions for clarity on paper. Outdoor hunts comparing ground features to maps reveal scale differences. Peer discussions during these activities help students adjust size expectations through shared evidence.

Common Misconception

Maps include every detail of the landscape.

What to Teach Instead

Maps prioritize key features with symbols, omitting minor ones. Scavenger hunts show gaps between reality and maps. Group legend-building tasks encourage students to debate selections, clarifying selective representation.

Common Misconception

All hill symbols mean natural formations.

What to Teach Instead

Some represent man-made earthworks. Feature hunts with photos prompt students to question origins. Collaborative stations build accuracy as groups cross-check symbols against evidence.

Active Learning Ideas

Stations Rotation: Symbol Identification Stations

Prepare four stations with OS map snippets, symbol glossaries, feature photos, and blank legends. Groups match symbols to images, explain purposes, and add to legends. Rotate every 10 minutes, then share one insight per group.

45 min·Small Groups

Outdoor Hunt: Feature Symbol Scavenger

Provide laminated OS symbol sheets and clipboards. Pairs search school grounds for matches like paths or trees, sketch or photo evidence, and note natural versus man-made. Debrief with class map overlay.

30 min·Pairs

Collaborative Problem-Solving: Custom Legend Challenge

Distribute local OS map excerpts. Small groups list 10 features, draw symbols, create a color-coded legend, and present to class for feedback. Vote on clearest legends.

40 min·Small Groups

Whole Class: Symbol Relay Race

Divide class into teams. Call a feature; first student runs to board, draws OS symbol and labels natural or man-made. Next teammate adds purpose. First accurate team wins.

20 min·Whole Class

Real-World Connections

• Cartographers use Ordnance Survey symbols daily to create detailed maps for land planning, emergency services, and recreational activities like hiking and cycling across Ireland.
• Civil engineers and architects consult Ordnance Survey maps to understand existing terrain and infrastructure before designing new roads, buildings, or public utilities, ensuring projects integrate with the landscape.
• Search and rescue teams rely on the precise information provided by Ordnance Survey symbols to navigate challenging terrain and locate individuals in distress, using maps to identify paths, water sources, and potential hazards.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Provide students with a small section of an Ordnance Survey map and a list of ten symbols. Ask them to write the name of the feature each symbol represents and whether it is natural or man-made. For example: 'Symbol: Blue wiggly line. Feature: River. Type: Natural.'

Exit Ticket

Give each student a card with a picture of a common Ordnance Survey symbol. Ask them to write: 1. The name of the symbol. 2. One real-world example of what it represents. 3. A sentence explaining why that symbol is important for map users.

Discussion Prompt

Present students with two different map legends for similar areas, one well-organized and one poorly organized. Ask: 'Which legend is more effective for understanding the map? Why? What specific elements make one better than the other?'

Frequently Asked Questions

What are key Ordnance Survey symbols for natural features in 6th class?

Core symbols include brown contour lines for elevation, blue lines for rivers and lakes, green spots or shading for woods, and yellow for marshy ground. Students analyze these to understand terrain. Hands-on matching with photos reinforces recognition, while legend creation solidifies purpose and scale.

How to differentiate natural and man-made features on OS maps?

Natural features use curved lines like contours or vegetation patterns; man-made show straight edges like roads or building blocks. Color coding aids: brown/green for natural, black for roads. Schoolyard hunts let students classify finds, with class charts tracking tallies for pattern spotting.

How can active learning help students master OS symbols?

Active methods like symbol scavenger hunts and station rotations engage senses, linking icons to real features students touch and photo. Pairs or groups debate matches, correcting errors on the spot. This builds retention over rote memorization, as sharing evidence in debriefs cements understanding for map tasks.

Why teach students to construct OS map legends?

Legends decode symbols, enabling independent map use. Students select relevant icons for map sections, practicing analysis. Group challenges foster precision and peer review. This skill supports NCCA standards, preparing for route planning or land study projects.