2007-04-24 12:39:32 · 6 answers · asked by Kayla R 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
It means that any distance on the map can be multiplied by a constant value to find the distance in real life. For example, 1 inch might represent 100 miles on a road atlas.
Really, the only time something is drawn "not to scale" is when they want to show both very large distances and very small details. For example, the solar system is so large that if it were drawn to scale, the planets would be indistinguishable pinpricks. Therefore, the planets are drawn much larger than they ought to be so that we can see them in the map.
2007-04-24 12:49:41 · answer #1 · answered by computerguy103 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maps of small areas (like the size of a city) can be done by simple proration. the ratio used is picked to be convenient, like 2000 feet equal one inch on the map. larger or very precise maps, such as contains an entire state or country cannot be done this way. that is because earth curvature makes any flat map have distortions. larger maps are created by "projection" that is, the positions on the flat map are calculated using conversion formulas based on lattitude and longitude for example. the transverse mercator is the most common used projection as it offers the best compromise between scale and distortion. USGS topographic maps are not drawn to scale but actually use the transverse mercator projection method, which is why adjacent quadrangles can not be precisely fitted together in a mosaic.
2007-04-25 09:38:28 · answer #2 · answered by lare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The map is drawn to the exact same size as the place it's showing.
Like, when a map of sacramento is drawn to scale, the map is the same size as sacramento.
2007-04-24 12:50:00 · answer #3 · answered by Dareius T 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
usually a map will have a scale that shows a certain length and how long that length is pertaining to the map. that map is drawn to that scale they provide.
2007-04-24 12:47:12 · answer #4 · answered by zooey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means it is not "real life". It is drawn so that you can measure against it using a scale (i.e. ruler) and tell distances.
Example: "one inch = one mile" would mean one ruler inch on the map is one mile on the earth.
2007-04-24 12:49:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that the proportions are accurate, the ratio of distances between the places is same.
2007-04-24 12:47:48 · answer #6 · answered by Nanda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋