What does a legend on a map show?

What does a legend on a map show?

• A. The legend shows the meanings of symbols used on the map
• B. The scale of distance
• C. The compass directions
• D. The elevation

Answer: (A)

A legend on a map is the key that explains the meanings of the symbols and colors used there. It helps you read the map correctly—so you know, for example, what a blue line represents (a river) or what a green shaded area means (a park). Without the legend, those symbols wouldn’t tell you anything definite. Other features aren’t described by the legend: the scale bar shows distances, the compass rose shows directions, and elevation is shown with contour lines or shading rather than the legend.

A legend on a map is the key that explains the meanings of the symbols and colors used there. It helps you read the map correctly—so you know, for example, what a blue line represents (a river) or what a green shaded area means (a park). Without the legend, those symbols wouldn’t tell you anything definite. Other features aren’t described by the legend: the scale bar shows distances, the compass rose shows directions, and elevation is shown with contour lines or shading rather than the legend.