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1. Map Scale
2. Scale Ratio between distances on a map or globe, and their actual ground distances.
3. Expressions of scale Graphic scale (scale bar)
visual expression
line marked off in units
Good for making rough estimates of distance
4. Estimating Distance using Graphic Scale Mark off map distance using piece of paper
Estimate distance using the scale bar.
5. Expressions of scale, cont. 2) Statement of scale
Verbal expression
Ex. One inch represents ten miles
Easy to understand
6. Expressions of scale, cont. 3) representative fraction (RF)
mathematical expression
written as a ratio (sometimes as a fraction)
ex. 1: 24,000 (same as 1/24,000)
map distance unit : ground distance unit
1 : (some value)
independent of units
Good for more precise calculations of distance
But you usually have to convert your answers for them to be meaningful
Ex. How far is 24,000 inches?
7. English System Conversions Inches to miles divide by 63,360
Feet to miles: divide by 5,280
Inches to feet: divide by 12
Miles to inches: multiply by 63,360
Miles to feet: multiply by 5,280
Feet to inches: multiply by 12
8. Distance Calculations using Scale 1) Set up ratio
md md
---- = -----
gd gd
md is map distance; gd is ground distance
one represents scale and the other is the distance between two places.
9. Solving scale problems, cont. Rules
a) three values are known, insert these values and their units of measure (if given)
b) units for numerators must be the same
c) units for denominators must be the same
2) Solve for the unknown value
not necessarily the final answer
Convert into appropriate unit of measure, if required
10. Example Scale Problems 1) The map distance between two towns is 10 inches on a map whose scale is 1:24,000. How far apart are the towns?
md/gd = md/gd
1/24000 = 10”/x
1”/24000”=10”/x”
1*x = 24,000*10, or x = 240,000”
240,000”/63,360”per mi = 3.78 mi
11. 2) Two towns are 15 miles apart and shown four inches apart on a map.
a) what is the statement of scale?
4”/15mi = 1/x
4”/15mi = 1”/x mi
4x=15, so x = 3.75 mi
one inch represents 3 3/4 miles
b) what is the RF?
1”/3.75mi = 1/x
3.75 mi * 63,360 in/mi = 237,000 in
RF is 1:237,000
12. Relative Scale The larger the scale, the closer the map comes to reality.
Scale Mapped Area RF denom
large little, yet detailed small
small great, yet general large
14. Homework