Which statement best describes the purpose of a map legend?

Which statement best describes the purpose of a map legend?

• A. To indicate the map's author.
• B. To measure distances between points.
• C. To explain symbols on a map.
• D. To show time zones.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a map legend acts as a decoder for the symbols on a map. Maps use symbols, colors, and line styles to stand for real features—cities, rivers, roads, forests, and more. The legend lists each symbol and tells you what it represents, so you can read the map accurately without guessing. For example, a blue line might stand for a river, a red line for a road, and a green shaded area for a park. Knowing what each symbol means lets you understand the map’s information correctly.

Distance is usually read with a scale bar or ruler, not the legend, and time zones are shown with specific labels or shading rather than through the symbol key. Author information is typically placed in a title block or at the edge of the map, not in the legend. So the legend’s purpose is to clarify what the map’s symbols mean, ensuring you can interpret the map’s features correctly.