Scale Scale A scale is a way of

Scale

Scale A scale is a way of reducing or shortening the actual distance on the Earth’s surface. Why would a map maker do this? - So the area can fit on a map

There are 3 different ways to write a map scale: �Direct Statement: This is when the scale is written in words. For example, 1 cm to 1 km OR 1 cm represents 1 km. �Representative Fractions: This is when the scale is written as a ratio. For example, 1: 100 000 or 1/100 000 �Linear Scale: Shown as a divided line

Even though all 3 scales look different, they all have the same meaning. Changing 1 scale to another is called a scale conversion Small scale vs Large scale

Large Scale vs Small Scale Maps are often known as large scale or small scale. A large scale map refers to one which shows greater detail (e. g. 1/25, 000) The area of land in a large scale map has been scaled down less A large scale map only shows a small area, but it shows it in great detail.

A small scale map refers to one which shows less detail (e. g. 1/250, 000) The area of land in a small scale map has been scaled down more A map depicting a large area, such as an entire country is considered a small scale map. In order to show the entire country the map must be scaled down until it is much smaller. A small scale map shows more territory, but it is less detailed.

Large Scale Small Scale

The size of the mapped area to the actual area (ground distance) is expressed as a ratio This ratio between the actual distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground is called a map scale Most Canadian topographic maps use 1 cm as. 5 km Because there are 100 000 cm in 1 km, 1 cm on a Canadian map would be 50 000 cm (. 5 km) ** Metric Ladder

Practice If this road is 10 cm long on the map, what is the actual ground length? You can’t tell!!! Why?

In order to know what the actual distance is, a map scale must be provided. Try again: If this road is 10 cm long on the map, what is the actual ground length? 1 cm = 200 000 cm Therefore, 10 cm = 2 000 cm

Because it does not sound good saying a 10 cm road on a map is 2 000 cm on the ground, you need to convert to km Remember, there are 100 000 cm in 1 km So, 2 000 cm would be 20 km

What about this one:

� 1 cm = 50 000 cm �Then 6 cm x 50 000 cm = 300 000 cm �OR 3 km �Therefore, on this map, the distance between Five Island Lake and Frederick Lake is 3 km. Let’s get some practice!