Colors and symbols can make maps much easier to read and understand. Here’s how they help:

1. Color-Coding:

   • Different colors show different uses of land.
   • For example, green often means parks and blue usually represents water.
   • In fact, about 70% of maps use colors to show where plants and trees are.

2. Symbols:

   • Maps use simple icons to show important places, like hospitals and schools.
   • When symbols are used consistently, people can recognize them better.
   • About 85% of people who use maps like familiar symbols.

3. Scale Representation:

   • A scale bar helps you understand distances.
   • For instance, if the scale says 1 cm equals 1 km, you can see how far things are apart.

By using these methods, maps can share information quickly and clearly.