small scale
This is known as the scale.
The scale of a map may indicate the ratio as well as showing how lengths measured on the map represent actual distances.
The scale on a printed map is the ratio of a distance on the map to the distance on the ground. For example, 1 inch on a 1:250000 scale map would be 250000 inches on the earth.
The "scale" of a map tells you how the map displays the actual distance.
why is a scale important
small scale
So you know what distance equals a mile which varies map to map.
A scale strip is a small ruler with varying units that represents the proportion between a distance on the map and the actual distance on Earth. By using the scale strip, you can measure distances on the map accurately by aligning it with the map's scale and converting the measurement based on the scale ratio provided.
The map scale indicated that 1 inch on the map represented 10 miles in real distance. The map scale helped us calculate the actual distance between two points on the map. It is important to always check the map scale before using the map for navigation to ensure accurate measurements.
The main point is that very little detail can be shown on a small scale map due to lack of space. Small scale maps show a large area, motorways, main roads, etc. A large scale map is used when showing details is important. A large scale map will show churches, country lanes, footpaths, etc, over a very small area.
Depending on what the map is of scale is very important. On a road map of a region you might read 1 inch equals 1 mile, this is so that the map can fit on the paper or computer monitor, actual size is not an option. On a Map of the world the scale might be 1 inch to 1000 miles. Or if if something is drawn to scale it means, that you have one part of the map in feet and the other side in meters.
It shows the distance a certain measurement equals on a map.
The map needs a scale so that distances on the map can be worked out.
Here is a little trick to know how to tell the difference between a large scale map, and a small scale map. A large scale map is a map where your house would look large on it. For example, a map of your neighborhood, or a map of you area. (You can see you house on this map) A small scale map is a map where your house would look small on it (or you can't see it at all), like a map of the world, or a map of Europe. So large scale = large house small scale = small house.
The four most important things on a map are the title, scale, legend, and compass rose. The title gives information about the map's purpose, the scale shows the relationship between distances on the map and in reality, the legend explains the symbols and colors used on the map, and the compass rose indicates the cardinal directions.
A large scale map is a map with much more detail and focus in a particular area. For example, a map of a neighborhood or street compared to a small scale map, a map of Europe.