Question

With regard to scale, answer the following question:

Name the main methods of representing the scale of a map.

Answer 1

There are three main methods of representing scale.

1. A statement scale: This method involves stating the scale in words, such as 1 cm to 1 km or 1 inch to 5 miles. The figure on the left side often represents the map distance. This method is unsuitable because we need to know the units of measurement in different nations.
2. Liner or Graphic Scale: This method uses a straight line divided into equal sections (primary and secondary) to indicate the scale on the ground. The primary Divisions are the major divisions of the scale, arranged from left to right. Secondary Divisions are smaller entities organised from right to left within a primary division.
3. Representative Fraction: This method represents scale as the ratio of a line's length on a map to its actual distance on the earth's surface. The numerator is usually expressed as unity, which means that one unit of map-distance equals a number of units of ground-distance. This fraction is referred to as the representative fraction.