Chapter 3 Scales and Distance Measurement

Question 1

Define Scale

Answer 1

The scale of a map is the relationship between the horizontal distance between two points measured on the ground and the same two points measured on the map. This relationship is constant no matter which direction the distances are measured.

Question 2

What are the methods used for expressing the scale of the map?

Answer 2

a. by the representative fraction for example, 1:50 000; or

b. in words for example, one inch to four miles.

Question 3

Representative Fractions (RF)

Answer 3

The standard method of expressing a scale on all Canadian Maps. The RF is 1:X, one unit of distance on the map will represent X units of distance on the ground.

Question 4

What does a scale of 1:50 000 mean?

Answer 4

it means that one inch/centimetre/metre on the map represents 50 000 inches/centimetres/metres on the ground.

Question 5

What does a distance of 3 centimetres on a 1:50 000 scale map represent?

Answer 5

3 times 50 000 centimetres on the

round, that is 150 000 centimetres or 1 500 metres.

Question 6

T/F The use of scales expressed in words is obsolescent

Answer 6

True

Question 7

T/F The use of scales expressed in words is still in use and must also be understood

Answer 7

True

Question 8

one inch to one mile map

Answer 8

In this case, one inch on the map represents one mile on the ground. If a direct comparison is required in metres, it is necessary to turn the scale into its representative fraction 1:63 360, i.e., one inch equals 63 360 inches or one mile; therefore: 1 centimetre = 63 360 centimetres = 633.6 metres.

Question 9

the “Quarter Inch”

Answer 9

its scale as either ¼ inch to one mile, or four miles to one inch.

Question 10

The smaller the scale, however, the more likely one

is to use the form _______.

Answer 10

“Miles to the Inch”.