Scale

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 Map scale shows the relationship between the distance on a map and the actual distance on the Earth’’s surface.

1. Direct Statement Scale  Uses words to describe the relationship between a distance on a map and a specific distance on the Earth's surface  1 cm to 10 km or 1 cm = 10 km When we use maps, this is the easiest for us to use.

2. Linear Scale  A special RULER on the map that is divided into equal units of distance Always includes the units of measurement on the Earth's surface  Always blocks out units of measurement on the map (the alternated black blocks on the linear scale)

3. Representative Fraction Scale (RF)  The fraction is a ratio where on unit on the map equals a specific number of the same unit on the Earth’’s surface Always done as a ratio or fraction of 1  1:50,000  1:50,000 equals 1 cm = 0.5 km 1 cm on the map equals 50,000 cm on the Earth’’s surface

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">When we discuss a LARGE scale map, it refers to a SMALL AREA with lots of detail. If we made a map of the classroom (which we will!) we would have lots of detail of a small area, which makes it a large scale map. <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">This is a map of the W. Ross campus. There is a fair bit of detail...I think I can see my car! Small area though. <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">When we discuss a SMALL scale map it refers to a LARGE AREA without much detail. If we made a map of Ontario (which we won't!) we couldn't put much detail in it and it would cover a large area, which would make it a small scale map. <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">Here is a map of Brantford and it's surrounding country side. Not much detail, but a much larger area covered than above. <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">