CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What does the legend of a map explain?

1. The symbols used on the map

2. The scale of the map

3. The geographical features depicted

4. The map's orientation

The correct answer is: The symbols used on the map

The legend of a map, often referred to as the key, specifically serves to explain the symbols used on the map. It is an essential component that helps the reader interpret the various representations found on the map, such as different types of terrain, infrastructure, and landmarks. Each symbol will typically be defined with a corresponding label in the legend, allowing users to understand what each visual representation means. Without this crucial element, it would be difficult for someone to glean the necessary information from the map effectively, as the symbols may represent everything from roads and waterways to various types of land use. While other elements do play significant roles in understanding a map, such as the scale, which indicates the ratio of distance on the map to actual distances, and the orientation, which shows which direction is north, these are not the primary function of the legend. The geographical features depicted are also represented on the map itself, but the legend does not explain these features directly; rather, it provides context for the icons and symbols indicating those features. Thus, the primary purpose of the legend is to clarify what the symbols on the map signify.