How do u calculate distances on a map?

Question

for Eg. i want to calculate the distance from New York to Mexico, and all i have a map. how will i do it?

Answer 1

The easiest way is to measure the distance in inches/centimeters between New york and Mexico on the map and then compare it with the relative distance conversion scale given in one corner of the map (rember to equate the measuring unit i.e unit of measurement of both measuring ruler and map scales should be same/ for example: if map scale is in inches, you must measure the distance in inches). However, this will give you the shortest distance i.e. the distance by air only. If your map shows major highways / rail networks, then you can put a string along it from your source upto the destination station. Straighten the string and compare with the scale on the map. This'll give u the distance by road/rail.

Answer 2

A couple good ways to calculate distances on a map is to use the scale on every map that will usually say "so many cm or m = 1 mile-100 miles". You find out that conversion, then you simply use a ruler and measure that distance, or you can get a slip of paper, mark the length of the conversion distance and use that to find out your distances. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

use a ruler and find the length between NY and Mexico
use the scale given on d map (e.g. 1 inch = 100 km)
use some math, and u'll get the distance

Answer 4

in a corner of the map will be a 'legend' which will show
you a bar graph where an inch will equal - so many - miles

use a ruler to measure how many inches from point A to point B

miles times inches = your distance

Answer 5

Most maps are scaled down. Measure the distance with a ruler, then multiply with the number it has been scaled down from.

Answer 6

You use the scale in the map key. It should have a scale of inches/centimeters to miles.

Answer 7

use the key (1 inch equalls however many miles) look in the bottom corners