Exercise 4: Map Scale

Express a fractional scale of 1:100,000 as a verbal scale: One centimeter represents _____ kilometer(s).

1 km = 1000 m, 1 km = 100,000 cm 1 cm on the map = 100,000 cm actual distance 1 cm = 1 km

On a map with a scale of 1:24,000, a measured distance of 1 inch represents an actual distance of:

1" x 24,000 = 24,000"/12 = 2000 feet

If a map with these graphic scales is enlarged along with the scales (such as by using a photocopy machine): a) Will the fractional scale of the map change? Why? b) Will the graphic scales (as shown) still be usable? Why?

a) Yes. The size of the map relative to Earth has changed. b) Yes. They were enlarged the same amount as the map.

On a map with a scale of 1:50,000, a measured distance of 7.5 centimeters represents an actual distance of:

7.5 cm x 50,000 = 375,000 cm/100,000 = 3.8 kilometers

If a measured distance of 10 inches on a map represents an actual distance of 5 miles, what is the fractional scale of the map?

10" = 5 mi. 10" = 316,800" so 1" = 316,800/10 Scale = 1:31,680

On a map with a scale of 1:250,000, a measured distance of 4.5 inches represents an actual distance of:

4.5" x 250,000 = 1,125,000"/63,360 = 17.8 miles

On a map with a scale of 1:62,500, a measured distance of 4.5 inches represents an actual distance of:

4.5" x 62,500 = 281,250"/63,360 = 4.4 miles

Map T-9 shows an area near Park City, Kentucky, at a scale of 1:24,000. Using the appropriate graphic scale, determine the distance from the "Fairview Church" (in the southwest corner of the map) to the "X" marked "BM 585" along the Louisville and Nashville railway:

6400 feet 1.2 miles 1.9 kilometers

Map T-1 (in the back of the Lab Manual) shows part of the island of Hawai'i at a scale of 1:250,000. Using the appropriate graphic scale found inside the front cover of the Lab Manual, determine the distance from the "Patrol Cabin" (at the summit of Mauna Loa) to the "Rest House" (northeast of the summit of Mauna Loa):

8.8 miles 14 kilometers

Why isn't "0" at the far left of the scales?

Easier to read fractions of miles, etc.