The Scale of a Map

This is the relationship between distance measured on the map and the actual distance on the ground.

There are three types of scales. They are:

a) Linear scale

This is written in a linear form, divided into equal parts called primary division. Primary division can also be divided further into secondary division.

b) Representative fraction

This is expressed in the form of a fraction or a ratio. An example is 1/500 or 1:500; this means that, a distance of 1 inch on the map represents a distance of 500 inches on the ground.

c) Statement scale

This is expressed as a statement. An example is 2cm to 1km; this means 2cm measured on the map represents 1km on the ground.