How Irish Roads are shown in the Map Legend
Example of different types of roads on a section of map
Example of different types of roads on an area of map. This illustrates how different road types are shown in different colours and widths, to make route planning easier (c) Copyright Ordnance Survey Ireland
Example of different types of roads on a section of map
Example of different types of roads on a section of map
Example of different types of roads on an area of map. This illustrates how different road types are shown in different colours and widths, to make route planning easier (c) Copyright Ordnance Survey Ireland
When you first look at this Ordnance Survey map of the area around Mullingar in Co. Westmeath, you might wonder how to tell the difference between green roads, green and white roads, and even red roads?
Click here to see what this area looks like on Google Maps. Note the position of Lough Owel and Lough Ennell to help you find Mullingar town.
Roads on a map legend
This image shows you that part of a map legend which helps the user to identify which roads are available for his journey. Each type of road is shown differently on a map. (c) Copyright Ordnance Survey Ireland
Roads on a map legend
Roads on a map legend
This image shows you that part of a map legend which helps the user to identify which roads are available for his journey. Each type of road is shown differently on a map. (c) Copyright Ordnance Survey Ireland
The Map legend tells us how to identify different types of roads.
The roads are allocated different colours to differentiate between different standards of roads, from motorways to third class roads.
Why do you think that we have so many different types of roads in Ireland?
Different types of Roadways
184 Symbol for Motorway
The largest roads are motorways which are shown on maps by using M and a number.
National Primary Roads are main roads that connect places in Ireland to each other. These are shown on maps using N and a number.
National secondary roads are marked in green and white stripes on the map.
Smaller roads which are not so big and which do not link to so many places are known as regional roads which are shown by R.
Third class roads are smaller roads. Roadways can also be streets and private roads into houses or estates.
Find the Motorways in this Quiz Game!
Find the Motorways in this Quiz Game!
Draw a Map with Roads
Draw a Map with Roads
How Railways are shown in the Map Legend
Railway Information on a map legend
Railway Information from the Legend of an Ordnance Survey Map. The legend shows you the symbols used for the railway line itself and for the various features (tunnels, level crossings, etc.) that you associate with railways. (c) Copyright Ordnance Survey Ireland
Railway Information on a map legend
Railway Information on a map legend
Railway Information from the Legend of an Ordnance Survey Map. The legend shows you the symbols used for the railway line itself and for the various features (tunnels, level crossings, etc.) that you associate with railways. (c) Copyright Ordnance Survey Ireland
Railway tracks cross Ireland from west to east and from north to south, linking the major towns and cities.
The legend shows us not only how to spot the actual railways but also how to spot Railway features such as tunnels, level crossings and train stations.
Why do you think level crossings are marked on Ordnance Survey maps and who do you think might use them most?