Topographic maps?

Question

Ok, topographic maps have a scale of 1:24,000. What exactly does 24,000 mean? Thanks

Answer 1

An important property of a map is the scale. It can be indicated by a scale bar and/or a ratio 1:n. This enables the map user to measure a distance on the map and determine the distance on the ground. These days maps are usually produced under the metric system which makes it easy to perform this task. Maps are usually produced at standard scale factors of (say) 1:10,000 or 1:50,000 or 1:100,000 and all you need to do is take a measurement on the map (in mm) and multiply that figure by the scale factor to determine the distance on the ground.

Calculation: Measure 466 mm on a map which is scale 1 : 50,000 ...

466 x 50,000 = 23,300,000 mm
ie 23,300 metres
ie 23.3 kilometres

briefly 24,000 means in 1:24,000 .. that every unit on the map equals 24,000 units on the ground .. 1 mm on map = 24,000 mm on ground ..

Answer 2

One unit of anything on the map represents 24,000 units of that same thing on the surface of the earth. Units can truly be anything, an inch, your foot length, a piece of chalk, pencil. It doesn't matter what is used as a measuring unit, just so long as it is the same. Remember though, that not all topo maps have the same scale.

Answer 3

One inch on the map represents 24,000 inches on the ground.

Answer 4

Depends on the thing itself. The 24,000 could be 24,000 miles, kilometers, feet, inches, centimeters, meters, etc.

I'm guessing at miles or kilometers. Therefore, it means 1 (inch or centimeter) for every 24,000 (whatever measurement it may be). Good luck!

Answer 5

1 unit on the map equals 24000 of any unit on the ground! 1 cm on the map = 24000 on the ground, or 1 mile on the map = 24000 miles on the ground. it is a ratio and can be applied to any unit.