Reading and Using Statement of Scale, Graphic Scale and Scale Shown By Representative Fraction Method. Assignment

 

        Geography Assignment

Reading and Using Statement of Scale, Graphic Scale and Scale Shown By Representative Fraction Method.

Introduction about Scale 

Scale is the relationship between the distance on a map and the actual distance on the ground. It is important to understand scale when using maps because it allows you to accurately measure distances and areas.

There are three main ways to express scale:

• Statement scale: This is a written statement of the scale.  This means that every 1 cm on the map represents 10km on the ground. 
• Graphic scale or Linear Scale :  This is a bar that shows distances in different units. For example, a graphic scale might show distances in kilometers, miles, and feet.
• Representative fraction (RF): This is a fraction that compares the distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground. For example, an RF of 1:50,000 means that 1 cm on the map represents 50,000 cm ( distance) on the ground. 

When choosing a map, it is important to consider the scale of the map and the purpose for which you are using it. For example, if you are planning a hiking trip, you will need a map with a large scale so that you can accurately measure distances and areas. If you are looking for a general overview of a region, you can use a map with a smaller scale.

It is also important to be aware of the limitations of scale. No map can show the Earth's surface perfectly. The Earth is a sphere, but maps are flat. This means that maps must distort the Earth's surface in some way. The amount of distortion depends on the scale of the map.

Large-scale maps have less distortion than small-scale maps. This is because large-scale maps show a smaller area of the Earth's surface. As a result, large-scale maps can show more detail than small-scale maps.

By understanding scale, you can choose the right map for your needs and interpret the map's data accurately.

1)  Statement Scale 

Statement scale is type of map scale expression in which scale is expressed in form of a written statement, for example one centimeter on the map represent ten centimeter on the ground. This can also be expressed in short as 1cm represent 10km or 1cm to 10km.

For example, if on a map a written statement appears stating 1 cm represents 10 km, it means that on that map a distance of 1 cm is representing 10 km of the corresponding ground distance. It may also be expressed in any other system of measurement, i.e. 1 inch represents 10 miles.

It describes the ratio of the distance on the map to the distance on the ground.Statement scale is an important tool for geographers. It allows them to accurately measure distances, areas, and other spatial features. By understanding statement scale, geographers can use maps to make informed decisions about the Earth's surface.

2) Representative Fraction : 

                                                 Representative fraction (RF) is a way of expressing the scale of a map in the form of a fraction. It is a ratio of the distance on the map to the actual distance on the ground. For example, an RF of 1:100,000 means that every 1 cm on the map represents 100,000 cm on the ground.

RF is often used on maps that are used for planning or navigation. For example, a hiking map might have an RF of 1:25,000. This means that every 1 cm on the map represents 25,000 cm (2.5 km) on the ground. This allows hikers to accurately measure distances and plan their routes.

RF is also used on maps that are used for research. For example, a map of the distribution of a particular species of plant might have an RF of 1:50,000. This means that every 1 cm on the map represents 50,000 cm (5 km) on the ground. This allows researchers to accurately measure the distribution of the plant and identify areas where it is most common.

RF is an important tool for geographers. It allows them to accurately measure distances, areas, and other spatial features. By understanding RF, geographers can use maps to make informed decisions about the Earth's surface.

3) Linear Scale or Graph: 

                              A linear scale, also called a bar scale, scale bar, graphic scale, or graphical scale, is a means of visually showing the scale of a map, nautical chart, engineering drawing, or architectural drawing. A scale bar is common element of map layouts. 

 Linear scale is a way of expressing the scale of a map using a line. It is a bar that shows distances in different units. For example, a linear scale might show distances in kilometers, miles, and feet.

Linear scale is often used on maps that are used for planning or navigation. For example, a hiking map might have a linear scale that shows distances in kilometers. This allows hikers to accurately measure distances and plan their routes.

Linear scale is also used on maps that are used for research. For example, a map of the distribution of a particular species of plant might have a linear scale that shows distances in miles. This allows researchers to accurately measure the distribution of the plant and identify areas where it is most common.

Linear scale is an important tool for geographers. It allows them to accurately measure distances, areas, and other spatial features. By understanding linear scale, geographers can use maps to make informed decisions about the Earth's surface.

 In the example, 

       

a. The linear scale is showing 6 km. The scale to which it is drawn is 2 cm = 1km

b. To the right of 0.5 km are shown with each compartment of 2cm 

c. To the left of 0, the 2 cm compartment shows 1,000m ( or 1 Km) and is sub-divided into 5 parts, each showing 200m 

 All the topographical sheets have this linear scale. It is used to measure the distance between two points on the map 

Conclusion 

 

                           In conclusion, the concept of scale in geography is a fundamental aspect that allows us to understand and interpret spatial patterns and phenomena at different levels. It plays a vital role in analyzing the relationships between objects and processes in the real world and their representation on maps or in geographic studies. By studying phenomena at local, regional, and global scales, geographers can examine detailed patterns within a specific area, understand broader regional characteristics, and analyze global-scale trends and interactions. Understanding scale is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of geography and its applications. It enables students to analyze data, make meaningful comparisons, and contextualize geographic phenomena within different spatial and temporal contexts. Overall, scale is an essential concept that empowers students to explore the complex dynamics of our world and develop a spatial perspective on various environmental, social, and economic issues.

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