Any map not drawn to scale must/will indicate that is it not drawn to scale and will also be marked 'for information only'. For such map projections, the concept of Point Scale is introduced which will strive to keep the scale within narrow bounds and will clearly indicate as such on the map itself
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"Not to scale" on a map means that the features and distances shown on the map are not accurate or proportional to their actual size or distance in the real world. This disclaimer is used when the map is a simplified representation for general reference rather than precise measurement or navigation.
The map scale represents the ratio of the map to the real thing. For example, a map scale might say that 1 inch equals 1 mile. That would mean that every inch on the map represents a mile for the real thing.
The legend of a map shows what the symbols on the map mean and sometimes the scale is also indicated there.
you use a map scale by measuring by inches
Here is a little trick to know how to tell the difference between a large scale map, and a small scale map. A large scale map is a map where your house would look large on it. For example, a map of your neighborhood, or a map of you area. (You can see you house on this map) A small scale map is a map where your house would look small on it (or you can't see it at all), like a map of the world, or a map of Europe. So large scale = large house small scale = small house.
It is the scale.