6. Map Scale
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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)
