Navigating maps can feel like decoding a secret language! Two crucial elements that help us understand maps are the map legend and the map scale. Although both are vital for map reading, they serve distinct purposes. Let's break down the difference!
A map legend, also known as a key, is a visual dictionary that explains the symbols, colors, and patterns used on a map. It tells you what each of these representations stands for in the real world.
A map scale indicates the relationship between a distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the ground. It allows you to measure distances and calculate real-world dimensions.
| Feature | Map Legend | Map Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Explains the meaning of symbols and colors on the map. | Indicates the relationship between map distance and real-world distance. |
| What it shows | Symbols for features like cities, rivers, roads, and landmarks. | The ratio or proportion between the map and the ground. |
| How it's represented | A box or section of the map containing symbols and their descriptions. | A ratio, a verbal statement, or a graphical scale bar. |
| Example | A blue line represents a river. | 1:100,000 (1 cm on the map equals 1 km in reality). |
| Use | Understanding what different features on the map represent. | Calculating distances and sizes of features in the real world. |
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