What is a key on a map definition?
Definition: A key or legend is a list of symbols that appear on the map. For example, a church on the map may appear as a cross, a cross attached to a circle, a cross attached to a square. A church symbol with a square means that the church has a tower, while a circle means the church has a spire.
What Does Key mean in geography?
A key is a small, low-lying coral island. Like all coral islands, keys are the remnants of ancient coral reefs, and many keys are still ringed by healthy reef ecosystems.
What is meant by Key in dictionary?
1a : a usually metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turned. b : any of various devices having the form or function of such a key a key for winding a clock. 2a : a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control. b : an instrumental or deciding factor the key to her success.
What is the difference between a legend and a key on a map?
These terms are typically used interchangeably, but sometimes a map includes both a key and legend. In these cases, the key contains the list of symbols used on the map, and the legend includes the scale, abbreviations, and compass rose to show the cardinal directions.
What is the importance of key in the map?
A map key’s function is to explain the meaning of the symbols on a map. A map’s key decodes each symbol, allowing you to read and comprehend the map. A map legend, often known as a key, is a visual representation of the images used on the map.
Why is it called a key?
The term “key” comes from the Spanish word, “cayo” which translates to “small island.” Most of the sand in Key West’s beaches isn’t natural, but was shipped in from the Caribbean. No wonder it’s beautiful!
Why is a piece of land called a key?
The Keys were originally inhabited by the Calusa and Tequesta tribes, and were charted by Juan Ponce de León in 1513. De León named the islands Los Martires (“The Martyrs”), as they looked like suffering men from a distance. “Key” is derived from the Spanish word cayo, meaning small island.
What is a legend in a map?
A legend displays the meaning of the symbols, colors and styles used to represent geographic data on the map. Legends consist of examples of the symbols on the map with labels containing explanatory text. Legends have patches that show examples of the map symbols.
What is the difference between a legend and a key?
A legend is a caption, a title or brief explanation appended to an article, illustration, cartoon, or poster. A key is an explanatory list of symbols used in a map, table, etc. Legend is more generic, while key is more specific.
How do you read a map key?
Typically, it lists symbols that can be found on the map along with what they mean. A blue square may indicate a type of building, while a green triangle may represent a forest. The map key also includes the map’s scale; for example, one inch on the map may actually be one mile in the real world.
What is the difference in an island and a key?
The main difference between a key and an island is that a cay is formed on the surface of a coral reef, while a regular island is a piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water.
What does a key mean in Florida?
This archipelago is a series of islands, some big and some small, that marks the boundary between Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts. So why are these islands called keys instead of islands? All keys are islands, but not all islands are keys. A key is a special kind of island that is made from built-up coral deposits.