Practice and Revision - Map Scale
Let us practise and revise what we learned about map scale. Map scale shows the relationship between distance on a map and actual distance o
Core concept
Map scale can be shown as a statement (1 cm = 1 km), a representative fraction (1:100000), or a graphical bar scale.
How it works
A large-scale map shows a small area in great detail, like a city map, while a small-scale map shows a large area with less detail, like a world map.
Why it matters
To calculate actual distance, we multiply the map distance by the scale, like 5 cm on a 1:100000 map representing 5 km in reality.
Key detail
Understanding map scale is essential for accurately measuring distances, planning routes, and interpreting geographic information from maps.
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Quick notes
• Scale shown as statement, fraction, or bar.
• Statement: 1 cm = 1 km.
• Representative fraction: 1:100000.
• Large-scale map: small area, great detail.
• Small-scale map: large area, less detail.
• Actual distance = map distance × scale.
• Example: 5cm on 1:100000 map = 5km real.
• Scale is essential for measuring, route planning.