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Scale

Definition

Scale refers to the relationship between the size of an object on a map and its actual size in the real world. It is often represented as a ratio or fraction.

Analogy

Think of scale like a zoom function on your smartphone camera. When you zoom in, objects appear larger and more detailed, just like when you see something up close on a map. Conversely, when you zoom out, objects appear smaller and less detailed, just like when you see something from afar on a map.

Related terms

Map Projection: Map projection refers to the method used to represent the curved surface of Earth onto a flat map. Different projections can distort scale in various ways.

Cartographer: A cartographer is someone who creates maps. They use different scales and techniques to accurately represent geographic information.

Large Scale vs Small Scale: Large scale maps show small areas with great detail, while small scale maps show large areas with less detail. The choice of scale depends on the purpose of the map.