In this section, you apply what you learned in Part A to calculate distances on a map. Although each type of scale can accurately measure distances on a map, how you measure differs by which map scale you are using.

If your map uses arepresentative fraction:

1. Use a ruler to measure the distance between two points.
2. Multiply the distance by the denominator of the representative fraction.

For example, if you have a representative fraction of 1:2 and you are traveling 3 inches on the map, you can calculate the distance traveled by multiplying 3 inches (the distance traveled) by 2 (the denominator). This gives you an answer of 6 inches traveled in the real-world.

If your map uses awritten scale:

1. Use a ruler to measure the distance between two points.
2. Multiply the distance by the real-world unit given in the written scale.

For example, if you have a written scale of 1 in = 2 miles and you are traveling 3 inches on the map, you can calculate the distance traveled by multiplying 3 inches (the distance traveled) by the 2 (the real-world unit). This gives you an answer of 6 miles traveled in the real-world.

Agraphic scaleis useful for visually estimating distances. It can also be used to directly measure distances on the map:

1. Use a straightedge like a ruler or piece of paper and mark the length of the scale bar on it.
2. Line up your straightedge with the area you are measuring.

Pay attention to the scale on the left side of the map and label the approximate distances between the colored points.

Drag the appropriate labels to their respective targets. Not all labels will be used.

In this section, you apply your knowledge of map scale to calculate real-world distance measurements. In Part B, you measured distances on a map. By using a map scale and a little bit of math, map distances can be converted to real-world distances. The map distances between pairs of cities are labeled below. Pay attention to the scale in the lower right-hand corner of the map and label the approximate distances between the following pairs of locations:

You have learned a great deal about map scale and how to calculate distances, while briefly touching upon the difference between small and large-scale maps. Now you will investigate small and large-scale maps in greater detail to determine when each is necessary.

• Small-scale maps cover a larger area of the Earths surface, but in less detail, while large-scale maps cover a smaller area of the Earths surface, but in greater detail. The greater the denominator in a fractional scale (the number to the right of a colon or a dash), the smaller the map scale. So a scale of 1:25,000,000 is smaller-scale than a scale of 1:25,000.
• A globe is an example of a small-scale map (since Earths features are reduced compared to reality), while a city map is an example of a large-scale map (since features are less reduced). Figure E1, below, shows another example of map scale. The smallest-scale map on the far left shows the largest area, and the largest-scale map on the far right shows the smallest area.