Map scale is an ratio that translates distances on a flat map into actual distances in the real world. A map scale is necessary because a map are a flat object and the real world is a three dimensional landscape. You use a map scale to determine how much distance on the ground represent a specific measurement on the map.
Map scale are expressed as fractions or ratios, and these ratios shows the relationship between map units and real-world units. For example, a map scale of 1:24,000 mean that one inch on the map represents 24,000 inches in the real world. Because 24,000 inches is approximately three-eighths of a mile, a 1:24,000 map scale allow you to understand real-world distances more accurate.
Map Scale and Contour Lines
Different map scales provides different levels of detail, and the level of detail depend on the scale ratio. A small scale map shows a very large area, but a small-scale map shows very little detail. For example, a scale of 1:500,000 is a small-scale map because a scale of 1:500,000 show an entire state on a single page, but a scale of 1:500,000 does not show small details like individual alley or small trails.
Conversely, a large-scale map shows a small area with high level of detail. A scale of 1:10,000 is a large-scale map because a scale of 1:10,000 show specific city blocks and fine details, but a scale of 1:10,000 cannot show an entire state. Therefore, you must choose a map scale based off you specific needs, because a scale that is too small will leave you without detail, and a scale that is too large will not show enough total area.
You can calculate real-world distances by using a map scale and a ruler. If you use a map scale of 1:63,360, then one inch on the map is equal to exactly one mile in the real world. You can use this specific ratio for perform mental math because 63,360 is the number of inches in one mile.
To find a distance, you must measure a path on the map with a ruler, and then you must multiply that measurement by the denominator of the map scale. After you multiply the measurement by the denominator, you must divide the resulting number to convert the units into miles or kilometer. For those who uses the metric system, you can convert centimeters to kilometers by dividing the number of centimeters by 100,000.
In addition to map scale, you must understand contour lines to understanding the terrain on a map. Contour lines are lines on a map that shows changes in elevation. If contour lines is spaced far apart, then the terrain is a gentle slope, but if contour lines are placed very close together, then the terrain is a steep cliff.
Some maps includes index contours, and index contours are bolder lines that appear every fifth contour line to provide elevation benchmarks. You may also see depressions on a map, and depressions are areas where the elevation decrease, which contour lines indicate by ticking inward. To increase your accuracy when using a map, you should of use tools such as a baseplate compass for bearings and pace beads for measuring step.
Using a map scale and contour lines allow you to turn guesswork into geometry, and using a map scale and contour lines ensure that you understand the real-world environment.
