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Chapter 1: Problem 19

What is map scale? In what three ways may it be expressed on a map?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A map scale is the ratio between a distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. It can be expressed in three ways: (1) Ratio or Representative Fraction (RF), (2) Linear Scale (or graphical scale or bar scale), and (3) Verbal Scale (or word statement).

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Map Scale

Map scale refers to the relationship or ratio between a distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. It essentially communicates the extent of reduction that happened to fit the real-world geography on a piece of paper or digital screen. In simpler words, it tells us 'how much' the real world has been shrunk to fit on the map.
02

Expressing Map Scale - Ratio or Representative Fraction

The first expression of map scale is in the form of a ratio or representative fraction (RF). In this form, both the numerator and denominator are expressed in the same units and represents the relationship between a unit of length on the map and the equivalent length on the actual surface of Earth. For example, an RF of 1:50,000 means one unit of measurement on the map equals to 50,000 of the same units on the ground.
03

Expressing Map Scale - Linear Scale

The second way to express map scale is through a linear scale, also known as graphical scale or bar scale. A line is drawn on the map. This line is divided up into smaller units of length (like centimeters or inches) with corresponding earth measurements next to them (like kilometers or miles). A user can use this line to measure distance between two places on the map.
04

Expressing Map Scale - Verbal Scale

The third way to express map scale is through a verbal scale, also known as word statement. A verbal scale is simply a sentence that states 'one map unit (like an inch or centimeter) equals [x] ground units (like miles or kilometers)'. For example, 'One inch equals four miles' is a verbal scale.

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