How to Make a Tree Map on Powerpoint Pexels A map legend is a side tabular array or box on a map that shows the pregnant of the symbols, shapes, and colors used on the map. The map legend is sometimes called the map cardinal. The map legend often also has a calibration to help the map reader guess distances. Map legends historically have been fixed elements on a printed map, but interactive digital maps often include dynamic map legends. What'south on a Map Legend? A map fable shows colors, shapes, and symbols to ascertain a certain characteristic of the map. On a physical location map , you might observe areas of lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges highlighted in the map legend for the type of map that's beingness used. On a political map, you will notice areas of influence pertaining to a political party or individual political leader. A map legend will show col