Map Symbols and Map Reading Tips
To successfully navigate with an Ordnance Survey map you should get to know map symbols. Check out the guides below to understand symbols and abbreviations.
Understanding map symbols
Ordnance Survey maps use map symbols, known as a 'key' or 'legend', to show where things are on the ground. Using the map symbol guides below you can find out what everything means on the OS Explorer and OS Landranger maps, and on OS getamap.
The map symbols for 1:25 000 OS Explorer maps and 1:50 000 OS Landranger maps differ because of the scale of the mapping - OS Explorer maps show more detail because they cover a smaller area.
The type of symbols on Ordnance Survey maps can be broadly categorised as:
- Contours - lines showing the height (elevation) and shape of the terrain;
- Roads - types of roads from motorways to unfenced farm roads;
- Leisure signs - showing attractions, viewpoints, places to go, camping and caravan sites, national parklands and trails;
- Terrain and landscape features - scree, mud, sand, rocky outcrops, cliffs.
- Paths - footpaths, bridleways and routes, some are rights of way, some aren't.
You can view examples of these maps and symbols in the downloads section at the bottom of the page. Alternatively, the Ordnance Survey has put together a useful map reading guide.
Abbreviations
If you've ever been perplexed by what some of the abbreviations stand for on Ordnance Survey maps, you can find out by checking our guide to map abbreviations. You can download these in the section below.