Measuring Distance:

In measuring road distance on a map, use the

scale bar. First, get a thread or a string. Second,
mark your point A and point B. Third, measure the
distance from point A to point B by scaling along the
road, following every turns and curves, using the
string. Fourth, when you reached point B, cut the
string. And lastly, hold the string against the scale
bar and count the number of intervals that the
string has covered.

If the entire length of the string covers four points

of the scale and the scale has a five kilometer
interval, just multiply the number of points by five.
You will get 20 which means the road distance from
point A to point B is 20 kilometers.

Types of Maps :
Topographic maps show the earth’s natural
features like mountains, lakes, rivers and man-made
structures like roads, buildings, and dams. Data on
ground elevation is a necessary feature of this map.
Thematic maps show a generalized
representation and description of a particular theme
such as forest, soils, population, land use, land
cover, geology, climate, mineral resources, and
tourist zones. These maps provide information for
management and development activities of the
government and private sectors. Examples of
thematic maps and their definitions are:
Land condition maps show areas prone or
susceptible to natural calamities like floods and
earthquakes. These maps show land form
classifications, ground elevations and also the
locations of the organizations and facilities for
relief operations.
Land cover maps depict different land or
vegetative covers and provide information for land
use management, planning and resources
management.
Land use maps show actual land use as
commercial, industrial, residential, and agricultural
areas.
Cadastral maps exhibit the location of land
boundaries portraying the subdivision of tracts into
smaller parcels. This type of map determines the
land description for incorporation in leases, deeds
and other legal instruments. It also depicts the
location of streets, sewers, water lines and other
minor drainage structure. It is an official register
of
quantity, value and ownership of the real property.
Route or road maps illustrate the location of
highways, avenues, streets, minor roads,
intersections and other structures like a cul de sac
(dead end) and islands of major and minor
thoroughfares in a certain vicinity.
Tourist maps are multi-colored maps showing the
location of national parks, historic spots and other
places that may be of interest to tourists.
Soil maps are multi-colored maps showing the soil
types in an area.
Mineral maps depict the position of ground works
and surface structures of mines; position and
direction of tunnels and shafts; and the surface
boundary of adjacent properties.

Features of Topographic Maps :

Maps have features to help understand and read these. The features
are located on the boundaries or just outside the maps. Maps
normally share common features but some may be omitted depending
on map types and uses.

Map Symbols :
A map is a representation of the earth’s surface and
most of its features such as roads, buildings and
vegetation. These features are represented by
symbols and colors on maps.
Below are typical symbols that can be found on
maps:

Feature Name
Symbol
Road - hard surface, all season

Road - hard surface, all season

Road - loose or stabilized surface, all season

Road - loose surface, dry weather

Rapid Transit route, road

Road under construction

Vehicle Track or winter road

Trail or portage

Traffic circle

Highway route number

Railway - multiple track

Railway - single track

Railway sidings

Railway - rapid transit

Railway - under construction

Railway - abandoned

Railway on road

Railway station

Airfield; Heliport
Airfield, position approximate

Airfield runways; paved, unpaved

Tunnel; railway, road

Bridge

Bridge; swing, draw, lift

Footbridge

Causeway

Ford

Cut

Embankment

Barrier or gate

Lock

Dam; large, small

Dam carrying road

Footbridge

Ferry Route

Pier; Wharf; Seawall

Breakwater
Slip; Boat ramp; Drydock

Canal; navigable or irrigation

Canal, abandoned

Shipwreak, exposed

Crib or abandoned bridge pier

Submarine cable

Seaplane anchorage; Seaplane base

Falls

Rapids

Direction of flow arrow

Dry river bed

Stream - intermittent

Sand in Water or Foreshore Flats

Rocky ledge, reef

Flooded area

Marsh, muskeg

Swamp
Well, water or brine; Spring

Rocks in water or small islands

Water Elevation

Horizontal control point; Bench mark with elevation

Precise elevation

Contours; index, intermediate

Depression contours

Cliff or escarpment

Sand

Quarry

Cave

Wooded area

Orchard

Vineyard

Sports track

Swimming pool
Stadium

Golf course

Golf driving range

Campground; Picnic site

Rifle range with butts

Historic site or point of interest; Navigation light

Greenhouse

Wind-operated device; Mine

Landmark object (with height); tower, chimney, etc.

Oil or natural gas facility

Pipeline, multiple pipelines, control valve

Pipeline, underground multiple pipelines, underground

Electric facility

Power transmission line multiple lines

Telephone line

Fence

Crane, vertical and horizontal

Dyke or levee

Firebreak

Cut line

School; Fire station; Police station

Church; Non-Christian place of worship; Shrine

Building

Service centre

Customs post

Coast Guard station

Cemetary

Ruins

Fort

Measuring Distance:
In measuring road distance on a map, use the
scale bar. First, get a thread or a string. Second,
mark your point A and point B. Third, measure the
distance from point A to point B by scaling along the
road, following every turns and curves, using the
string. Fourth, when you reached point B, cut the
string. And lastly, hold the string against the scale
bar and count the number of intervals that the
string has covered.
 If the entire length of the string covers four points
of the scale and the scale has a five kilometer
interval, just multiply the number of points by five.
You will get 20 which means the road distance from
point A to point B is 20 kilometers.

Types of Maps :
Topographic maps show the earth’s natural
features like mountains, lakes, rivers and man-made
structures like roads, buildings, and dams. Data on
ground elevation is a necessary feature of this map.
Thematic maps show a generalized
representation and description of a particular theme
such as forest, soils, population, land use, land
cover, geology, climate, mineral resources, and
tourist zones. These maps provide information for
management and development activities of the
government and private sectors. Examples of
thematic maps and their definitions are:
Land condition maps show areas prone or
susceptible to natural calamities like floods and
earthquakes. These maps show land form
classifications, ground elevations and also the
locations of the organizations and facilities for
relief operations.
Land cover maps depict different land or
vegetative covers and provide information for land
use management, planning and resources
management.
Land use maps show actual land use as
commercial, industrial, residential, and agricultural
areas.
Cadastral maps exhibit the location of land
boundaries portraying the subdivision of tracts into
smaller parcels. This type of map determines the
land description for incorporation in leases, deeds
and other legal instruments. It also depicts the
location of streets, sewers, water lines and other
minor drainage structure. It is an official register
of
quantity, value and ownership of the real property.
Route or road maps illustrate the location of
highways, avenues, streets, minor roads,
intersections and other structures like a cul de sac
(dead end) and islands of major and minor
thoroughfares in a certain vicinity.
Tourist maps are multi-colored maps showing the
location of national parks, historic spots and other
places that may be of interest to tourists.
Soil maps are multi-colored maps showing the soil
types in an area.
Mineral maps depict the position of ground works
and surface structures of mines; position and
direction of tunnels and shafts; and the surface
boundary of adjacent properties.