Scale

Distance used on a map to represent the actual distance between two points on the ground
1 cm on a map can represent any distance on the ground
Always use a ruler when measuring distance and be as accurate as possible
cm to km = divide by 100 000
km to cm = multiply by 100 000

Linear Scale
1. The scale of the map is indicated by a line with numbers
2. Example: The length of a line is 2 cm; so for this map 2 cm on the map represents 1 km on the ground. Or 1 cm represents 0.5 km on the ground
Ratio Scale
1. This scale of the map is indicated by a ratio
2. Example:
  1. 1:50 000
  2. 1 cm on the ground represents 50 000 cm on the ground
  3. But: 100 cm = 1m and 1 000 m = 1km
  4. So: 100 000 cm = 1 km
3. To find the length in km represented by 1 cm on the map divide the right hand side of the ratio scale by 100 000
4. Examples:
  1. 1:100 000 = 1 cm represents 1 km
  2. 1:500 000 = 1 cm represents 5 km
  3. 1:1 000 000 = 1 cm represents 10 km
Statement Scale
1. As the name suggests, the scale is stated or written in full sentences
2. Examples:
  1. 1 cm represents 0.5 km
  2. 1 cm represents 190 km
Representative Fraction (RF)
1. This type of scale basically involves converting a ratio scale into a fraction
2. Example:
  1. 1:50 000 = 1/50 000
3. CAUTION
  1. Both the top and bottom of a RF scale are expressed in cm
  2. Also, the number "1" must always be the numerator of the fraction
4. ANY type of scale can be converted into a Representative Fraction

What is the major use for scale?

There are two ways of measuring distance on a map:

"As the Crow Flies"
- This refers to the straight line distance between two points
Using paths or routes
- You might be asked to measure the distance between two points using a highway, river, pathways, railroad, or other "routes"

	Created by Maddy Baker about 5 years ago

- Latitude/Longitude - Scale - Time Zones - Parts of a Map - Large Scale vs Small Scale Maps

Geography Unit 1 Test