How to Read Road Map Directional Signs
At first glance, a road map looks a mass of arrows, letters, numbers, symbols and lines and it is to understand that many people find them daunting. Nonetheless, they are actually quite easy to learn. We just need to know how to read these indicators and what they mean.
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Instructions
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Locate the large arrow at the top or side of the map. This indicates "North." If you move left of the arrow you are going "East," if you move in the opposite direction of the arrow you are going "South," and if you move right of the arrow you are going 'West."
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Locate an area on the map by finding the name of your destination in the "Index." Beside the name will be a code, such as "A2." On the side of the map you will see letters and on the bottom you will see numbers. Place one finger on the "A" and place another finger on the "2." Move your fingers inwards towards the map until they meet. There is your destination.
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Find the map's legend. Among other things, the legend will tell you the scale of the map. For example, "1 inch = 1 mile" means that every inch of the map represents one actual mile. The legend will also explain what certain symbols and lines mean.
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Understand highways signs. State highways are marked by the highway number inside a circle or oval. Federal highways are marked by the highway number inside a shield-shape. Interstate highways are marked by the highway number inside a bold and colored shield-shape. White squares along the highways indicate on and off ramps.
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Tips & Warnings
Although each map publisher uses its own symbols, most maps use one bold line to indicate a primary road, a less bold line to indicate a secondary road, a grey line to indicate a minor road and a broken line to indicate an unpaved road.
References
- Photo Credit us flag over the map image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
