scale
cartography
Also known as: map scale
Quick Summary
Map scale is the ratio between a distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. It's typically expressed as a representative fraction, like 1:63,360, meaning one unit on the map represents 63,360 units in reality. A smaller scale has a larger denominator (e.g., 1:1,000,000 is smaller than 1:100,000). Maps often include a linear or bar scale for direct measurement. Scales are crucial for determining map content and detail, influencing legibility and aesthetic considerations.12
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