Understanding Map Scales

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Questions and Answers

What does a ratio scale of 1:40,000 mean?

1 cm on the map represents 400,000 cm on the ground (correct)

1 meter on the map represents 40,000 meters on the ground

1 km on the map represents 40,000 km on the ground

1 inch on the map represents 40,000 inches on the ground

A word scale expresses a relationship using numbers.

False

Why are map scales important?

Map scales are important because they indicate the relationship between distances on the map and actual distances on the ground.

A linear scale is shown as a _____ with marked intervals representing distance.

line Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of scales with their definitions:

Ratio Scale = Uses numbers to compare distances on a map with distances on the ground Word Scale = Expressed in words indicating distance relationships Linear Scale = A line with marked intervals used for distance measurement Signup and view all the answers

If a map scale is 1 cm to 150 meters, how many meters does 4.5 cm represent?

675 meters Signup and view all the answers

To convert meters to kilometers, you multiply by 1000.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the distance represented on the ground by 12 cm on a map with a scale of 1 cm to 50 meters?

600 meters Signup and view all the answers

To convert 350 meters to kilometers, you would calculate __________.

0.35 km Signup and view all the answers

Match the following distances on a map with their corresponding distances on the ground (using a scale of 1 cm to 50 m):

6 cm = 300 meters 22 cm = 1100 meters 14 cm = 700 meters 28 cm = 1400 meters 41 cm = 2050 meters Signup and view all the answers

What is the straight-line distance between Spanish Town and Montego Bay when measured as 3 km and 400 m?

3.4 km Signup and view all the answers

You can provide your final answer in both kilometers and meters when calculating distance.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in finding the straight-line distance between two points on a map?

Identify both locations on the map. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following scales with their descriptions:

One metre represents five kilometres = This is a word scale 1:400000 = This is a ratio scale Each line on the metre scale represents 100m = This is a linear scale Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Calculating Ground Distance: Scale & Distance

Maps use scales to represent distances on the ground.
Scale is the ratio of distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground.
A scale on a map indicates the amount by which an area has been reduced for representation.
Scales determine distances between two points and the actual size of an area.
Scales show the relationship between map distances and ground distances.

Lesson Objectives

Define the term "scale."
Identify three ways scales are shown on maps.
Explain the importance of map scales.

What is a Scale?

Map scale is the ratio of distance on the map to the actual corresponding distance on the ground.

Importance of a Map Scale

The scale on a map indicates the reduction of an area on the map.
A map scale shows the distance between locations and the size of an area on the ground.
The scale relates map distances to actual ground distances.

Types of Scales

Ratio Scale: This scale uses numbers to compare distances on a map to distances on the ground. For example, 1:40,000 means 1 cm on the map equals 40,000 cm on the ground.
Word Scale: This scale expresses the relationship in words. For example, "one centimeter represents one kilometer."
Linear Scale: This is a line marked with distances, which makes it easy to compare map distances to ground distances. Often has units (like meters or kilometers) on the line.

Identifying Map Scales

Example 1: "One centimeter represents five kilometers" is a word scale.
Example 2: 1:400000 is a ratio scale.
Example 3: A linear scale is a line marked with distances (in kilometers).

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of map scales, explaining their importance in representing distances on maps and the ground. Participants will learn how to define scales, identify different types shown on maps, and understand their significance in geography. Test your knowledge on how scales impact distance measurements in mapping.