The document discusses map scales. It explains that maps are scaled down representations of areas of the world so they can fit on a sheet of paper. It states that map scales show the relationship between distances on a map and actual distances on the ground. Scales allow the determination of distances between places and the sizes of landmarks. The document also provides examples of how map scales can be expressed as statements, ratios, or linear scales.

1. Scale
Mr ShippGeography Skills and Tools

2. • To draw a map of any part of the world, the area must be
reduced in size, or scaled down, so that it can fit on to a
sheet of paper.
• Therefore the scale on a map shows us how the distance on
a map relates to the actual distance on the earths surface.
• Scales allow you to work out distances between places as
well as the size of large towns, lakes, forests and the map
area.
Border
Orientation
Legend
Title
Scale
Source

3. • These were models because they
represent the real thing – only on a smaller
scale.
• Similarly, a map is a drawing of an area
that is at a smaller scale than in reality.
• To draw a map of any part of the world, the
area must be reduced in size, or scaled
down, so that it can fit onto a sheet of
paper.

4. • Map Scales can be expressed in 3 ways:
1. As a statement; for example:
- 1 centimetre (on a map) represents 100 000 centimetres (in
real life) or
- 1 centimetre represents 1 Kilometre.
2. As a ratio or representative fraction; for example:
- 1: 100 000 or 1
______
100 000
3. As a linear scale; for example:
0km 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

7. Small and Large Scales
large-scale maps show a
small area with a great
amount of detail
small-scale maps show a
large area with a small
amount of detail