U.S. ARMY Maps - Marginal Information and Map Symbols
Map Legend/Map Key
A diagram that explains the symbols, markings, and colors on each particular map.
Bar scales
Essentially rulers that are used to convert map distance to distance on the ground. They will often have different units of measurement.
Declination Diagram
Indicates the angular relationships of "grid North" and "magnetic North" from "true North." Also provides a date of when the values were recorded.
Marginal Information
Instructions placed around the outer edge, aka "Margins" of a map.
Large map scale shows
Less detail.
Small map scale shows
More detail.
Map "Special Notes"
More information about what is being depicted or more information/detail about that particular map.
Map Name, aka "Sheet Name"
Named after the most prominent feature on the map. Usually located on the top of the map.
Map Name can also be referred to as:
Sheet Name
Map date
Tells us how old the data on the map is. It does NOT mean when it was printed.
Contour Interval Note
Tells us the interval between the contour lines on a map (usually on a topographical map).
Map Scale
The relationship between the size of a unit of measure on a map and the size of the unit of measure on ground.
Adjoining Sheets Diagram
Your current map will be the center, and the 8 surrounding map sheets will tell you what the next map over in any direction will be.