Chapter 2: Map Scale

Geography - Pratical Work in Geography • Class 11

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate9 pages • English

Quick Summary

This chapter introduces the concept of map scale, an essential element of cartography that provides a relationship between map measurements and real-world distances. It discusses three main types of scales: Statement of Scale, Graphical Scale, and Representative Fraction, each with its own advantages and limitations. The chapter emphasizes the practical applications of scales, including converting between different scale types and constructing graphical scales for various mapping scenarios.

Key Topics

  • Definition and importance of map scale
  • Methods of expressing scale: Statement, Graphical, Representative Fraction
  • Conversion between different scale types
  • Construction of graphical scales
  • Application of scales in map reading
  • Impact of scale on map accuracy

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concept and importance of map scales.
  • Identify and differentiate between types of scales: Statement, Graphical, and Representative Fraction.
  • Perform conversions between scale types and interpret their real-world implications.
  • Construct graphical scales and apply them to real-world scenarios.
  • Evaluate the uses and limitations of different scale methods.

Questions in Chapter

Which one of the following methods of scale is a universal method?

Answer: Representative Fraction

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Map distance in a scale is also known as:

Answer: Representative Fraction

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Numerator in scale represents:

Answer: Map distance

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What are the two different systems of measurement?

Page 25

Give one example each of statement of scale in Metric and English system.

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Why is the Representative Fraction method called a Universal method?

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What are the major advantages of the graphical method?

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Convert the given Statement of Scale into Representative Fraction (R. F.).

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Convert the given Representative Fraction (R. F.) into Statement of Scale in the System of Measurement shown in parentheses.

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Construct a graphical scale when the given R. F. is 1 : 50,000 and read the distances in kilometre and metre.

Page 25

Additional Practice Questions

Explain the importance of the map scale in cartography.

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Answer: Map scale provides a critical link between distances on a map and actual distances on the ground, enabling accurate representation and measurement of spatial information.

Describe the process of converting a Statement of Scale to a Representative Fraction.

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Answer: To convert a Statement of Scale to R.F., express the scale's statement in terms of a single unit and its equivalent in map terms, then form a ratio where the map unit is the numerator.

What are some advantages of using a Graphical Scale?

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Answer: A Graphical Scale remains valid even if the map size changes and is intuitively easy to use for those unfamiliar with numerical conversions, providing a visual way to measure map distances.

How can a scale affect the interpretation of a map?

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Answer: A scale determines how much the real world is reduced to fit on a map, so its accuracy affects the precision of spatial analysis and distance measurements.

Discuss the limitations of a Statement of Scale.

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Answer: The Statement of Scale becomes obsolete if a map is resized, requiring a new scale to be calculated, and it can be misunderstood if the reader is not familiar with the measurement system used.

Why might the Representative Fraction be considered more versatile than other scale methods?

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Answer: R.F. is versatile because it uses units generically without specifying a system, making it universally applicable and less prone to misinterpretation during conversions between systems.

Illustrate an example of a conversion from an R.F. of 1:100,000 to a statement scale in the metric system.

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Answer: R.F. 1:100,000 means 1 cm on the map equals 100,000 cm (or 1 km) on the ground. Thus, the statement scale would be 1 cm represents 1 km.