Which of the following best describes marginal data on a map?

• A. Information printed inside the map area
• B. Information printed in the legend
• C. Information printed on the reverse side
• D. Information printed around the border of a map

Answer: (D)

Marginal data is the information that describes the map itself, not the features shown on it. This kind of data is placed in the margins so it doesn’t cover the map, and it typically includes things like scale, north orientation, date, sheet name, projection, and publisher. That’s why the correct choice is information printed around the border of a map—the border is precisely where marginal data lives. Information printed inside the map area is the geographic content, the legend is a separate guide to symbols, and notes on the reverse side aren’t the standard location for marginal data.