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Focus Lesson #5. Using Map Scales to Determine Distance and Using a Map Key/Legend. Day One Scale. Scale. Maps are made to scale; that is, there is a direct connection between a unit of measurement on the map and the actual distance on the ground.
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Focus Lesson #5 Using Map Scales to Determine Distance and Using a Map Key/Legend
Scale Maps are made to scale; that is, there is a direct connection between a unit of measurement on the map and the actual distance on the ground.
It is important that we recognize how to read, understand, and utilize scale as we examine the various maps that we encounter. There are three common methods used by map makers to depict scale. These methods are referred to as the graphic method, the verbal method, and the fractional method.
The Graphic Method A Graphic Scale depicts scale using a line with separations marked by smaller intersecting lines similar to a ruler. One side of the scale represents the distance on the map, while the other side represents the true distances of objects in real life.
There are many benefits to using a graphic scale. First and foremost, it is a straight forward, easy way to determine scale. Secondly, if a map’s size is enlarged or decreased, the scale is also enlarged or reduced, meaning that it is still accurate.
The Verbal Method The verbal method of depicting scale simply uses words to describe the ratio between the map’s scale and the real world. For example, a map might say something like “One Inch equals one hundred and fifty miles”. Calculating scale on a map using the verbal method is easy. Simply measure the distance on the map, and then follow the verbal directions to calculate the actual distance.
The Fractional Method The fractional method for portraying the scale of a map uses a representative fraction to describe the ratio between the map and the real world. This can be shown as 1:211200 or 1/211200. In this example, 1 unit of distance on the map represents 211,200 of the same units of distance in the real world. This means that 1 inch on the map represents 211,200 inches in the real world.
Review What are the three common methods used to depict scale? Graphic Scale Verbal Scale Fractional Scale
Day Two Measuring Distance
How to Measure Distances on a Map Using a Graphic Scale • Use a ruler to measure the distance between the two places (points) you have selected on your map. • Use the graphic scale to calculate the distance you have measured. (i.e. 1 inch = 10 mi. on the scale; the distance measured was 5.5 inches; the total distance is 5.5 X 10, which equals 55 miles between the two places.)
How to Measure Distances on a Map Using a Verbal Scale • Use a ruler to measure the distance between the two places (points) you have selected on your map. • Use the word statement (i.e. “one inch equals ten miles”) to convert the distance in inches to the distance in miles.
How to Measure Distances on a Map Using a Fractional Scale • Use a ruler to measure the distance between the two places (points) you have selected on your map. • Use the representative fraction (looks like 1/100,000 or 1:100,000) and multiply the distance of the ruler by the denominator, giving distance in the ruler units. Convert your units of measurement into the most convenient units for you ( i.e. convert 63,360 inches to one mile).
Review Find maps in your geography text book that contain different kinds of map scales. Practice finding distances between points on the maps and converting the measurements using the scales.
Day Three Using a Map Legend / Key
Religions Legend Map Legends • The legend is the key to unlocking the secrets of a map. Objects or colors in the legend represent something on the map.
Legend Age Expectancy
If there is no key for the map, there are some universally understood symbols. • Bodies of water are always blue. • Roads are solid lines. • Boundaries are bolder solid lines. • Cities are noted with a dot. • Capital cities are usually noted with a • star.
Review Find maps in your geography text book that contain different kinds of map legends. What symbols are used to represent things on these maps? Draw a small map of the school and create a legend to show items you want to represent.
Day Four Review
What are the three common methods used to depict scale? Give an example of each method. Graphic Scale Verbal Scale “one inch equals ten miles” Fractional Scale 1/100,000 or 1:100,000
Map Example (street) How do you measure distances between two places or points on a map? Use the map below to find the distance between points A and B. 9
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