1. Map Scale
Fourth Grade

2. What is scale?
Maps cannot be the same size as the objects are in reality or they would not fit on the page! Therefore we use scale to show the real distances between places by making everything smaller.

3. How do we measure distance
on a map?
If you want to find out the distance between two places on a map there are 2 methods to use. One method looks at the straight line distance (as the crow flies) and the other measures the actual distance, by road, river etc, and usually involves going down bendy lines.

4. Measuring a straight line distance
This is very simple to use.
Use your ruler to measure the distance between the 2 places
Then compare your answer to the scale of the map. This is usually in the corner of the map. For example: 1 inch may equal 100 miles