This document explains how to use a map scale to measure distances. It provides instructions on using a ruler or piece of paper to follow a route on a map and measure the distance in centimeters. The distance must then be converted to kilometers using the scale ratio shown on the map. Examples are given of measuring distances between various locations in New Zealand.

1. *
What – Using the scale on a map to find the distance between one
place and another.
Why – So that we can find the distance between one place and
another.
How – By using a topographic map.

2. *
*All maps have to be made smaller than the actual
size of a place.
*So the scale on a map shows you how big the map is
in comparison to the real place. (for example every
centimetre on this map means 100km on the ground
in real life.
*Scale on a map can be shown in the following ways.
*1 – Words. One centimetre = one kilometre
*2. Representative fraction. 1:100 000
*3. Line.

3. *
*1cm on the map represents 2km in real life so the scale will be
written as = _____________
1 : 200’000
*3 : 100’000
3cm represents 1km so the scale as a ratio = _______________
*5cm represents 100m so the scale as a ratio = ______________
5: 10’000
*0.5cm represents 1m so the scale as a ratio = ______________
1 : 200

4. You can do this using two different methods.
1. Use your ruler to pivot and add up the centimetres as you
travel along the line then calculate using the scale line.
2. Use a piece of paper to make marks on it as you twist it.
REMEMBER WHICH EVER WAY YOU USE YOU MUST
USE THE SCALE TO WORK OUT THE DISTANCE IN
KILOMETRES (FOR A 1:50,000 MEASURE IN CM AND
THEN DIVIDE BY 2 AS 1 KM IS EQUAL TO 2CM)

5. On the paper's edge
*Another method of measuring
distance is to take a sheet of
paper and place the corner of a
straight edge on your starting
point. Now pivot the paper
until the edge follows the route
that you want to take.
*Step 1
*Every time the route
disappears or moves away from
the straight edge of your paper,
make a small mark on the edge
and pivot the paper so the
edge is back on course.

6. Step 2
Repeat this process until
you reach your
destination

7. Step 3
You should be left
with a series of marks
along the edge of your
paper. You can now
place the sheet
against the scale bar
on your map.
The last mark you
made will tell you the
real distance you need
to travel

8. *
*1. Johnsonville Train
Station to Khandallah
Train Station. – 3km
*2. Government House to
Point Halswell – 4.25km
*3. The top of Terawhiti
Hill to the top or Outlook
Hill – 4km
*4. The Ferry Terminal to
Breakers Bay. – 8 km
1. – 3km
2. 4.25km
3. 4km
4. 8km

9. *