1. MAP SCALES

2. Definition:
A Map Scale is a statement of a measure on a map and the equivalent measure on the Earth's surface.

3. Function:
A map scale lets you measure the distance on a map then figure out how far that distance is in the real world.

4. 3 Types of Map Scales

5. 3. Direct Statement
A direct statement scale is a statement that indicates the scale of the map.

6. Example1: 1cm to 10 km
1cm on the map represents 10km in the real world
If the distance between Here and There is 3cm (3 x 10) …therefore 3cm = 30km

7. 1. Linear Scale
To use a linear scale, put a ruler over top of the scale, and then measure the distance on the map.

8. 2. Representative Fraction
A Representative Fraction expresses what a unit on the map represents in the real world.
These can be either metric or imperial – it doesn’t matter.

9. Example: :50 000
One unit on the map represents 50,000 units in the real world.
1 cm on the map would represent 50,000 cm on earth.

10. Converting… Converting an R.F scale to a Direct Statement scale:
1 cm = 50,000 cm
1 cm = (50,000 / 100,000)km
1 cm = 0.5km
**100,000 cm in a km**
Converting a Direct Statement scale to an R.F scale:
1 cm = 2.5km
1 cm = (2.5 x 100,000)cm
1 cm = 250,000 cm or 1:250,000

11. Large Scale vs. Small Scale

12. Small Scale Maps
World or country map = small scale (1: ) allows for an overall view, but not much detail.
Ideal for travelling by car -- cover large areas of land.

13. Large Scale
Town map or neighborhood map = larger scale, it features roads that can be shown clearly (1cm:500m)
Better for showing individual buildings in detail because they only cover a small area of land.