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.