What information is key to reading a map effectively?

The scale and legend are essential components for reading a map effectively. The scale provides information about the relationship between distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground, allowing you to measure and calculate distances accurately. The legend, or key, explains the symbols and colors used on the map, giving you context about features such as roads, bodies of water, and elevation changes.

Without understanding the scale, a user might misinterpret distances, leading to navigation errors. Similarly, lacking the legend would prevent a person from recognizing the various symbols that represent different features, making it incredibly challenging to use the map for orientation and planning routes. Therefore, mastering the scale and legend equips an individual with the necessary tools to interpret and utilize a map effectively for navigation.