Chapter 8: Problem 3

Would the map scale be the same or different if you made an enlarged photocopy of a map?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The map scale would be different if an enlarged photocopy of a map is made, because the enlargement process changes the ratio between the map and real-world distances. The scale must be adjusted to reflect these changes.

Step by step solution

Understanding Map Scales

A map scale shows the relationship between the distances on the map and the corresponding distances in real life. For example, if a map has a scale of 1:1000, this means 1 cm on the map corresponds to 1000 cm (or 10 meters) in real life.

Impact of Enlargement

When a map is enlarged through photocopying, the scale also changes. The size of all features on the map including distance and area is multiplied by the same enlargement factor. This changes the ratio between the map and real-world distances.

New Scale Calculation

To maintain the validity of the scale, it should be adjusted according to the enlargement process. For instance, if a map with a scale of 1:1000 is enlarged to twice its original size, the new scale becomes 1:500. That is because now 1 cm on the map represents 500cm (or 5 meters) in real-life, which is half the distance it used to represent.

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Would the map scale be the same or different if you made an enlarged photocopy of a map?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Map Scales

Impact of Enlargement

New Scale Calculation

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