HISET Social Studies Practice

In mapping terms, what does a legend identify?

1. A scale for distance measurement

2. Locations of major cities

3. Patterns, symbols, or colors used

4. Types of terrain represented

The correct answer is: Patterns, symbols, or colors used

The correct answer identifies what a legend does on a map. Specifically, a legend explains the various symbols, colors, and patterns that are used throughout the map. This is crucial for understanding the information the map conveys, such as what different colors represent regarding elevation, land use, or other geographic features. While a scale for distance measurement helps users determine the actual distance represented on the map and the locations of major cities provide specific points of interest, these do not describe the function of a legend. Additionally, types of terrain are important for understanding geographical features but are not what a legend indicates. The legend serves as the key to interpreting all these elements accurately.