What do symbols on OS maps mean?

OS maps use symbols that label real-life features and make the maps easier to understand. Using symbols on a map can be a clever way of avoiding this. They can be small pictures, letters, lines or coloured areas to show features like campsites, pubs or bus stations.

How are roads shown on an OS map?

The OS use a dashed black line to show that a road is unfenced, and a solid black line to show it is fenced (or walled, otherwise constrained). The lines can be different on each side of the road, showing that one side is fenced and the other open.

What Colour is a main road on an OS map?

Different types of road are depicted in different colours. The main ones to be aware of are: chunky blue lines showing motorways, magenta coloured lines showing dual carriageways or main roads, orange ones showing secondary roads, and dashed lines which denote minor roads.

What are the 5 symbols of a map?

5 Elements of any Map

  • Title.
  • Scale.
  • Legend.
  • Compass.
  • Latitude and Longitude.

What does a black P mean on a map?

8. On an ordnance survey map, what does a single “P” in black lettering mean? Parking. Post office. Public house.

What can OS maps tell us?

OS maps show physical and human features as symbols. This makes the maps easier to read. Each OS map has a key to show what the symbols mean.

What is a black dotted line on an OS map?

A black dotted line denotes a path that has been identified by Ordnance Survey, but not necessarily a right of way because the status is not defined or known. Generally, there are gates and stiles where the path goes in or out of a field or through a hedge.

Is a track a public right of way?

Public rights of way allow the public to walk, or sometimes ride, cycle or drive, along specific routes over land which belongs to someone else – the land itself is often privately owned. Though the term highway is popularly used to refer to roads, its legal definition covers any public road, track or path.