Map scales

Question 1

Geographical feature

Answer 1

Different natural features of the planet, such as mountains and rivers

Question 2

Linear

Answer 2

Arranged in or extending along a straight line

Question 3

Map Scale

Answer 3

The feature added to a map to explain how to convert map distance to real-world distance

Question 4

Scale

Answer 4

The relationship between the distance on a map and the distance in reality

Question 5

Ratio scale

Answer 5

Ratio scales show how the size of an area on a map compares to the size of the same area in reality. Another popular scale ratio that is used is 1:25 000, meaning that 1 cm on the map represents 0.25 km. This could also be interpreted as 4:100 000, which means that every 4 cm is equal
to 1 km.

For example:

1 cm : 50 000 cm
1 cm : 500 m
1 cm : 0.5 km

Question 6

Word Scale

Answer 6

Word scales have the scale of a map presented in the form of a statement. Word scales aren’t always displayed on maps. They are usually included as a description with the map. They are also often included alongside a ratio or linear scale.
For example:
1 cm to 0.5 km (on a 1:50 000 map).

This means that every 1 cm on the map equals 0.5 km on the ground.

Question 7

Linear Scale

Answer 7

A linear scale is a line that visually shows the length of a specific distance (e.g. 1 km) on a map.
For example:

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
|——|——|——|——|——|——|

Each interval between the numbers represents 1 inch, demonstrating a linear scale where each segment is of equal length.

Question 8

Measuring distance on a map

Answer 8

A useful feature of a map scale is that it allows us to work out the distance between two points. It can be used to measure the distance in a straight line or as a winding distance, like a river, road or walking path

Question 9

Using a map scale(Step 1-5)

Answer 9

Step 1:

If the map includes a word or ratio scale, take a piece of string or a piece of paper and place it along the route that needs its distance measured. Mark the beginning and endpoints on the string.

Question 10

Using a map scale(Step 1-5)

Answer 10

Step 2:

1.Measure the distance between the two points on the map using a ruler.
2. Multiply this distance by the scale ratio. Ensure the units match (if measured in centimeters, use centimeters in the scale ratio). For example, if the map scale is 1:50,000 and the distance measured is 3 centimeters, calculate it as 3 cm × 50,000 = 150,000 centimeters.

Question 11

Using a map scale(Step 1-5)

Answer 11

Step 3:

If there is a linear scale, place a piece of paper or string alongside the scale. Mark the beginning and endpoints of the scale on the paper or string. Ensure that the marked start point lines up with the zero on the scale, and that the string and paper are straight. Now use the scale to measure the distance (in km) between the two marks made

Question 12

Using a map scale(Step 1-5)

Answer 12

Step 4:

If the scale isn’t long enough to cover the entire distance between the two marks, add another mark to identify how much has been measured so far. Then, move this mark to the beginning of the scale and measure the remaining distance.

Question 13

Using a map scale(Step 1-5)

Answer 13

Step 5:

Add the two numbers together to get the final distance.