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The scale of a map tells you how much real distance is represented by the units of measurement.... 1 centimetre = 1 kilometre; 1 inch = 1 mile; etc.
So a map which was 10 cm x 10 cm would represent an actual area of 10 km x 10 km.
If that map hadn't enough room for all the details I wanted to see, I'd have to go for a larger scale map were 1 cm = 0.5 kilometres. In this case a 10cm x 10 cm map would have a 'real' area of 5 kilimetres by 5 kilometres.... one-quarter the area covered in the first map, but in larger details.
Small scale map therefore refers to a map where a real distance is represented by a very small unit.
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DevinSmall scale maps, i.e. maps that cover a relatively small area are used when detail is required. For instance when operating in a small area, when approaching a harbour or when walking.
Large scale maps, covering a large area, are used when overview is necessary. This is the case when, for instance, you are leaving a port and just started your journey to the other side of the ocean.
A small scale map can show a large area, but with little detail. A large scale map can show a small area, but with a lot of detail.
A motorist's map is likely to be 4 or 6 miles to the inch.
A cyclist or walker are likely to use maps of 1:50 000 and 1:25 000 respectively.
1:50 000 means that 1cm on the map represents 50,000 cm on the ground.
A small scale map (example: 4 miles on the ground to 1 inch on the map) covers a large area, but can't show close details (churches, individual houses in a village, complicated road junctions, etc.) due to lack of space on the map. Such a map would be used by a motorist who needs only the road-network (motorways, main roads, a dot to show a village, etc). A walker, on the other hand, would need a large scale map, one that showed footpaths, field boundaries, farms and villages in detail. Such a map would only cover a small area.
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How is a small scale maps and large scale maps similar?
Small scale maps and large scale maps both represent geographic features and locations. They differ in the level of detail they provide; small scale maps show a larger area with less detail, while large scale maps show a smaller area with more detail. Both types are used for navigation and spatial analysis.
Why do distances appear longer on maps than globes?
It is to do with the scale used on the maps and globes.
How is a small scale map different from a large scale map in points?
The main point is that very little detail can be shown on a small scale map due to lack of space. Small scale maps show a large area, motorways, main roads, etc. A large scale map is used when showing details is important. A large scale map will show churches, country lanes, footpaths, etc, over a very small area.
What is the map projection with the least amount of distortion near the pole?
A Globe. It can be an exact scale model of the earth!
What scale provides data for intensity maps of earthquake damage?
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale is commonly used to provide data for intensity maps of earthquake damage. It measures the effects of an earthquake at a specific location based on observed damage and human perception. The scale ranges from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction).
