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org © 2017 IJCRT | Volume 5, Issue 1 March 2017 | ISSN: 2320-2882

MAP SCALES
Dr. Subhash Chand
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography,
SGSG Government College, Nasirabad, Ajmer (Rajasthan), India.

INTRODUCTION
Before preparing a map, we always decide how much actual ground distance should be represented by a
map distance. This means a map always bears a definite proportion to the mapped area. This proportion
between the map distance and actual ground distance is known as map scale or scale and is defined as “the
proportion between a distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the ground.” In the form of a
formula, it can be represented as –

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐩

Map Scale = 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

For example, suppose the distance between two points A and B on a map is 1 cm and the distance between
same two points on the ground is 2 kilometres, then the scale of the map is 1cm = 2 kilometres or 1cm to 2
kilometres or 1:200,000. Similarly if ground distance is 1mile and the map distance is 1 inch, then the scale
1
is 1 inch = 1 mile or 1 inch to 1 mile or 1:63,360. It can also be represented as a vulgar fraction i.e.
63,360
or 1/63,360.
The scale we choose mainly depends on
 The size of the area to be mapped
 The amount of details to be depicted on the map and
 The size of the paper
Thus, according to our needs, we can have small scales and large scales. On small scales we draw Atlas
maps or chorographical maps because we show only generalised picture regarding physical, climatic,
economic and socio-cultural aspects of the whole earth or a part of it. These may vary from few kilometres
to a centimetre to several hundred kilometres to a centimetre. On large scales we draw Topographical
Sheets/ maps, Navigator’s charts, Cadastral maps and Plans because we depict detailed information on such
maps. These scales may vary from 1cm = 20 meters to 1 cm = 2.5 kilometres.
Scale is drawn on every map at its southern margins in three ways.

METHODS OF EXPRESSING A SCALE

The scale is expressed in three ways on a map. It is
(i) Stated in words such as 1 cm to 2 kilometres or 2 inches to a mile.
(ii) Expressed as a fraction such as 1:200,000.
(iii) Drawn as a line divided in parts.

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I STATEMENT OF THE SCALE:
When stated in words, it is known as statement of the scale. It is expressed as 1 cm to 2 kilometres, 1
inch to 3 miles, 3 inches to a mile, 2cm to 1 kilometre.
Map distances are represented by a centimetre or centimetres, an inch or inches and ground distances by a
kilometre or kilometres, a mile or miles. In this method either map distance or the ground distance is
represented by unity.
Although it is the easiest way of expressing a scale but its usefulness is very limited because
 Different countries have different units of length in use. So it may not be very well understood
by foreigners. For example if on a Russian map it is stated that one Paletz = one Verst, then a
person, who is not familiar with the old Russian system of linear measurements, will not be able
to read distances on that map.
 The fractional distances involve intricate mathematical calculations. For example 1 cm = 1
kilometre, 5 hectometre, 2 decametre, 6 meter and 40 centimetres.
 If a map, whose scale is stated in words, is either enlarged or reduced, then this original scale
carry no meaning.
II REPRESENTATIVE FRACTION (R.F.):
When expressed as fraction, it is known as Representative Fraction (R.F.). In some countries it is
also known as Numerical Scale.
This scale is represented by a vulgar fraction in which the numerator is always one and the denominator is
also in the same unit of length. The numerator indicates the distance on the map and denominator indicates
the actual distance on the ground.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐩

Thus R.F. = 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

For example, if R. F. of a map is 1/100,000 or 1: 100,000, it means that one unit of length on the map
represent 100,000 units of length on the ground. This unit may be an inch or a centimetre or a paletz or any
other foreign unit. If it is a centimetre, then 1 centimetre on a map represents 100,000 centimetres on the
ground i.e. 1 centimetre represents 1 kilometre. If it is an inch, then 1 inch on the map represents 100,000
inches on the ground i.e. 1 inch represents 1.58 miles. If it is a paletz, then 1 paletz on the map represents
100,000 paletz on the ground i.e. 1 paletz represents 1.19 versts (because 1 verst = 84,000 paletz).
The greatest advantage of expressing the scale in terms of R. F. is that, it can be read into different
units of length very easily. For example meaning of R.F. 1: 100, 000 appended to a map in metric system it
is 1cm = 100,000 cms, in British system it is 1 inch = 100,000 inches and in Russian system, it is 1 paletz
=100,000 paletz.

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The disadvantages of R.F. are
 If a map is either enlarged or reduced then original scale carry no meaning.
1
 The R.F. is printed in fractional form such as occupies more space than that occupied
100,000
by other type. It is therefore, adjusted in a line by using a small type. These figures are often so
small as to make it difficult to read the fraction. So R.F. is printed on maps as 1: 100,000 or
1/100,000.

CONVERSON OF SCALES
Sometimes we need to convert statement of the scale into R.F. or R.F. into statement of the scale.
Converting Statement of the Scale into R.F.
In the statement of the scale, a centimetre or centimetres represents map distances and a kilometre or
kilometres ground distance. To convert a statement of scale into R.F., take the distance on the map as
numerator and after converting the ground distance into the same unit of length as denominator. Now
change the numerator into one. With the help of an example, it is easier to understand this process.
Convert 1cm = 2kms into R.F.
Because R.F. = Map distance / Ground distance
Since one centimetre on the map represents two kilometres or 200,000 centimetres on the ground
Therefore R.F. = 1:200,000
Converting R.F. into Statement of the Scale
Since R.F. = Map distance/ Ground distance and both map distance and ground distance are in same
units of length i.e. centimetres or inches. So we change the denominator of R.F. into kilometres or miles to
convert it into statement of scale. It is easier to understand the process with the help of an example.
Example: The R.F. of a map is 1: 10, 00,000. What is the statement of the scale?
Solution: Since R.F. = Map distance / Ground distance
So 1 unit on the map represents 10, 00,000 units on the ground
Or 1cm on the map represents 10, 00,000 cms on the ground
Or 1cm on the map represents 10, 00,000/ 100,000 = 10 kms on the ground
Hence statement of the scale is 1cm = 10 kms.

III PLAIN SCALE OR GRAPHICAL SCALE

When shown as a straight line divided into a number of equal parts and marked to show what these
divisions represent on actual ground, then it is known as Plain scale or Graphical scale or Linear scale. The
ground distances are either shown in International system of measurement i.e. kilometres, Metres or British
system of measurement i.e. miles, furlongs, yards, feet.
The scale appended to a map by this method has several advantages. These are:
 It is much easier to find the ground distances between two points with the help of a paper strip or
thread or dividers from a plain scale. Thus mathematical calculations can be avoided.

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 In the process of enlargement or reduction of original map by Photostat and photographic methods,
the plain scale is also enlarged or reduced in the same proportion in which the map is enlarged or
reduced. Hence the plain scale remains useful and true.
The characteristics of a good scale are
 It should read to the greatest accuracy required.
 It should be convenient to use.

CONSTRUCTION OF A GRAPHICAL SCALE

While constructing a graphical scale the following points should be kept in mind.
(i) It should be sufficiently long. For practical purposes, the scale line should be about 15 cm or
6 inches long but not more than 30 cm or 12 inches.
(ii) It should be accurately divided using geometrical methods of dividing a line in equal parts
(perpendicular method or acute angle method) and carefully numbered.
(iii) Zero must always be placed between the units and its subdivisions.
(iv) The name of the scale together with its R.F. should be written on the map.
(v) It should be easily read and should not involve any arithmetic calculation in measuring
distance on the map. The main divisions called primary divisions should, therefore, represent
one, ten or hundred units.
(vi) One division on the left should further be divided into a few equal parts known as secondary
divisions.
(vii) As far as possible it should be represented by a single line.

TYPES OF GRAPHICAL SCALE

Based on the need different types of graphical scales can be constructed. But here, we will discuss
only three major types of graphical scales.
1. Simple or Plain Scale
2. Comparative Scales - (i) Comparative Scales of Different Units (ii) Time Scale (iii) Scale of
Revolutions or Revolution Scale
3. Diagonal Scale
PLAIN SCALE OR SIMPLE SCALE
On a plain scale, it is possible to read only two dimensions such as kilometres and hectometres,
metres and decimetres, miles and furlongs, yards and feet etc. Usually plain scale is appended on maps and
plans.
COMPARATIVE SCALES
The graphical scales which have a common representative fraction but can read in different measures
are called comparative scales. For example one scale is reading to kilometres and the other to miles. For the
first time, these scales were constructed to facilitate British and American soldiers, who went to France
during the First World War. These soldiers were provided with maps having comparative scales. The main

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advantage of comparative scale is that measurements can be taken directly from a plan or a map in the
desired units without any calculations for example kilometres and miles, paces and metres, metres and
yards.
TYPES OF COMPARATIVE SCALES
Comparative scales are mainly of three types. These are:
(i) Comparative scale of different units
(ii) Time scale
(iii) Scale of Revolutions or Revolution scale
Before construction of a comparative scale, following points should be kept in mind.
 It has a common R.F.
 It is shown as two graphical scales on the same scale but one scale line showing one unit of
measurement and the other scale line showing the other unit of measurement are placed side by side
in such a way that zero of one scale line lies immediately above that of the other scale line i.e. zero
lies on the same perpendicular line.
 Sometimes as in the time scale, we do not construct two scale lines but divide a scale line in such a
way that distances in different units can be read.
 The remaining method of construction of a comparative scale is similar to the method used in
construction of a simple scale.

(i) COMPARATIVE SCALE OF DIFFERENT UNITS

To save oneself from botheration of converting one unit of measurement into another i.e. miles into
kilometres or paces into yards or paces into metres or yards into metres etc comparative scales of different
units are constructed.
(ii) TIME SCALE
It is also known as comparative scale of time and distance because from this scale, we can know
directly the time spent in covering a certain distance. This scale is particularly useful for aeroplanes, ships
and army marching over short or long routes. The construction of time scale is similar to the construction of
other comparative scales except the following two points.
 The scale line showing the time and distance should be of same length.
 The scale line showing distance and time should have the same number of primary and secondary
divisions.

REVOLUTION SCALE
Scale of revolutions is a comparative scale composed of two graphic scales, one showing the ground
distances and the other showing the number of revolutions. For drawing this type of scale we measure
ground distances with a wheel whose radius is known or whose circumference is measured with the help of
a tape. The distance to be measured may now be covered by rolling the wheel along the ground. After one
revolution, the distance covered by wheel can be known from the formula 2πr where π=22/7 and r is the

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radius of the wheel. Thus by noting the number of revolutions and multiplying them with the circumference
of the wheel, ground distance can be calculated. This is a quick method for ascertaining the ground
distances with the help of a wheel or bicycle or any other vehicle, whose radius of the wheel is known.
 DIAGONAL SCALE
Diagonal scale is that plain scale whose secondary divisions are further divided into smaller parts
diagonally. This is drawn mainly for large scale maps for measuring very small distances correctly. On a
diagonal scale, it is possible to read distances in three dimensions such as yard-feet-inch, kilometre-
hectometre-decametre, metre-decimetre- centimetre etc. It is also possible to measure a distance up to a
hundredth part of a mile or kilometre from a diagonal scale.

REFERENCES:
1. Bhat, L.S. & Mahmood, A. (1977), Field Work and Laboratory Techniques in Geography,
Publication Department, NCERT, New Delhi.
2. Bygott, J. & Money, C.M. (1962), An Introduction to Map Work and Practical Geography,
University Tutorial Press, Foxton.
3. Khullar, D.R. (2000), Essentials of Practical Geography, New Academic Publishing Co., Jalandhar.
4. Robinson, A. H., Morrison. J.L., Muehrcke, P.C., Kimerling, A.J. & Guptil, S.C. (1995), Elements
of Cartography, John Wiley & Sons, New York.
5. Sharma, J.P. (2000), Prayogatmak Bhoogol ki Rooprekha, Rastogi Prakashan, Meerut.
6. Singh, Gopal (2009), Map Work and Practical Geography, Vikash Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New
Delhi.
7. Singh, R.L. (2005), Elements of Practical Geography, Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.
8. Singh, R. P.B. & Singh, R.L. (2015), Elements of Practical Geography, Kalyani Publishers, New
Delhi.

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