NWP105A: Use maps, plans and drawings

Natural features

Natural features such as rivers, lakes and forests are often included on maps. The symbols used to represent them often look like the feature they are representing. The colour of the symbol can also provide a clue to its meaning.

river

forest

creek

bare rock

open sandy
ground

lake

Cultural features

Cultural features found on maps include roads, railways and buildings such as post offices and schools. The symbols used to represent these also often look like the feature they are representing.

dam

visitors' Centre

toilets

picnic area

car park

sealed road

Using legends

Different maps may use different legends so you always need to check your legend when reading a map.

Using the legend in the map below select each of the symbols to find out where they are in the map.