Give an example of what the earth is.

The explanation of the map legend is as follows:

Legend is a description of the contents and indicators represented by various symbols and colors on the map concentrated in the corner or side of the map, which is helpful to better understand the map. It has a dual task, and it is used as a standard for graphically representing map contents when drawing, and as a basic reading guide when drawing. Legend should conform to the principles of integrity and consistency.

Definition:

Symbols used on maps to represent various elements of geographical environment, such as mountains, rivers, cities, railways, etc. , are called legends. The meanings expressed by these symbols are usually indicated on the corners of the map. Legend is the basic form and method of expressing map content, the language of modern maps, and a tool for reading and using maps.

Map symbols generally include points, lines and figures of different sizes, thicknesses and colors. The design of symbols should be able to express the shape, size and position of ground scenes, and also reflect the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of various scenes and their relationships. Therefore, the legend is always designed as a geometric figure similar to the outline of the field scene.

Function:

To understand the map, you must first understand the legend. Legend has the function of map language. In order to gain more geographical knowledge from maps, it is necessary to be familiar with commonly used legends, such as symbols of cities and villages, symbols of borders and roads, symbols of mountains and rivers, and so on.

There are many kinds of things on the ground, which can't be represented on the map in proportion. They must be classified and summarized. According to their characteristics, various forms of lines and graphics are designed and formulated to represent the corresponding geographical things. These lines and figures are called map symbols.

In addition, some words, numbers and map symbols are needed to explain the names of countries, cities, mountains and rivers, as well as the height and depth of mountains. These words and numbers are called notes.

Legend on the map:

It refers to a brief description of map symbols and notes. It is usually arranged at the edge or corner of the map. For example, 1∶4000000 Topographic Map of China (Map Publishing House, 1982), its legend is as follows: the capital is represented by a red five-pointed star, the government residences of provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions are represented by red circles, and other towns are represented by blue circles of different sizes;

National boundaries, provincial boundaries and district boundaries are represented by dashed lines with different thicknesses and intervals. Railways are represented by black and white line segments; The expressway is represented by a red single line; The river is represented by a blue single line from fine to thick; Mountain peaks are represented by black triangles, and so on.

There are also some maps showing various natural conditions and industrial distribution. On these maps, there must be corresponding legends, which show that a symbol represents a forest, a symbol represents a mineral, a symbol represents an industry, and so on.

Before reading the map, it is much more convenient to understand the map symbols and comments in the legend and correctly understand the map content. It can be said that the legend is the "key" to reading pictures.