1. Map Scales
CGC1D

2. Introduction to Map Scales
A map scale represents the relationship between distance on the map and distance in the real world.
Map scales are used to calculate:
The distance between two points
The size or area of a geographic feature, such as a Province, City or Lake

3. Types of Map Scales
Direct Statement Scale uses words to describe what a distance on a map represents in the real world
For Example 1 cm = 10 kilometers
To determine the distance on a map with a direct statement scale, measure the distance between the two places. Calculate the distance based on the scale.
For example, if you measured it to be 3cm between the two places, you would calculate it like so:
1 cm = 10 km
(3 x 1) cm = (3 x 10) km
3 cm = 30 km
Therefore, the actual distance between the two locations is 30 km.

4. Types of Map Scales
Linear Scale is like a special kind of ruler that is divided into units of distance
With this type of map scale, you would need to use the linear line as a reference to determine how many kilometers one cm would represent in real life.

5. Make a mark on your paper at the right end of the scale
Move the mark from step three to 0 on
the line scale and measure the
remaining distance
Make a mark on your paper at the
right end of the scale
Calculate the total distance between Kingston and Cornwall by adding together the two distances you measured.
The distance between Kingston and Cornwall is 180 km.

6. Types of Map Scales
Representative Fraction Scale is a ratio where one unit on a map represents a specific number of the same unit in the real world
1:50 000
For this example, 1 cm on the map represents cm in the real world or 0.5km)
Represents the distance on the map
Represents the distance on the Earth’s surface

7. Scale Conversions 1 km = 1000m 1 m = 100 cm
1 km = (1000 x 100) cm = cm

8. Converting an R.F. Scale to a Direct Statement Scale
To convert an R.F. scale to a direct statement scale, divide the denominator by 100,000, to change into kilometers. Use the following process:
1 cm = cm
1 cm = ( ÷ ) km
1 cm = 0.5 km or 1 cm to 500 m

9. Converting a Direct Statement Scale to R.F. Scale
To convert from a direct statement scale back to an R.F. scale, multiply the number of kilometres by
1 cm = 2.5 km
1 cm = (2.5 x ) cm
1 cm = cm or 1:

10. Examples
Convert the representative fraction to a direct statement 1:
Convert the direct statement scale to an R.F. scale 1 cm to 5 km

11. Practice Map Scale
From your textbook:
Page 47
Questions 1 to 10, 13