How does a half barb indicate wind speed on a surface map?

A half barb indicates wind speed by representing 5 knots on a surface map. In meteorological terms, a full barb typically indicates 10 knots, so a half barb, which is half of a full unit, naturally corresponds to half the speed of a full barb. By recognizing this convention, those analyzing surface maps can quickly assess wind conditions, which are crucial for navigation, flight planning, and understanding weather patterns. Proper interpretation of these symbols on weather maps is an important skill for anyone involved in aviation, as wind speed directly impacts aircraft performance and safety.