6. Map Scale

Which scale is larger? 1:24,000 or 1:50,000

1:24,000 (because larger fraction = smaller denominator = larger scale)

scale bar

also called graphic scale, bar or line divided into several segments to represent scale, graphic ruler

Small scale map

displays a large area but less detail

Large scale map

displays a small portion of the earth's surface with great detail

Representative fraction

most used scale, ratio between map and ground distance, fraction format, no units

three standard ways to represent scale

representative fraction, verbal scale, scale bar

benefits of graphic scale

scale bar changes size in direct proportion, uses both miles and kilometres, straightforward

Verbal scale

uses words to describe ratio, familiar units (eg. 1 inch to 2 miles)