Map Symbols



Orienteering maps are packed with lots of information. Understanding the different colours and combinations of symbols which you are likely to find on an o map can make your orienteering experiences so much easier and more enjoyable. Look at the map section in the table below. It has ten numbered circles marked on it. Each circle has a chioce of 3 or in some cases 4 possible descriptions in red text. Choose the phrase which you think matches that circle best then click on it to see if you are right.

  1. The first circle on the map is round two black dots. Click on the link which you think best describes this control site location.
    Cliff.
    Knoll or small hill.
    Between boulders.

  2. The symbol in the second circle is shown in brown so you know that this feature is to do with the shape of the land. Which of the following best descrbes this feature?
    Knoll or Small hill
    Pit.
    Depression.

  3. This one is a bit tricky so take your time.
    Path junction.
    Track wall crossing.
    Track ruined wall crossing.

 Section of an orienteering map

  1. Like the map symbol in the second question this feature is also in brown but what does it mean?
    Contour line.
    Junction of Walls.
    Junction of earth walls.

  2. In this one, one of the map symbols should be familiar after number 3.
    Path junction.
    Junction of track and narrow ride.
    Road junction.

  3. What is this feature?
    Indistinct path.
    Crag or small cliff.
    Boulder.

  1. Blue map symbols are all about water features. This one should be easy but be careful!
    Southern edge of marsh.
    Eastern edge of marsh.
    Northern edge of marsh.
    Western edge of marsh.

  1. Map symbols depicted in black are either rock formations or things that have been made by humans. So what is this one?
    Between Crags.
    Ruined building.
    Small enclosure.

  1. You are nearly finished, just two more questions to go.
    Fence corner.
    Earth wall corner.
    Wall corner.
    Corner of ruined wall.

  1. The last question is about a feature marked in blue. Can you get the answer right first time?
    Marsh.
    Junction of streams.
    Junction of stream and ditch.
    Junction of ditches.