Convert a Representative Map Scale

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Learn the skill

A scale of 1:50,000 means one unit on the map equals 50,000 of the same unit on the ground. Convert units after multiplying: 100 cm = 1 m and 1,000 m = 1 km.

Worked example

At 1:20,000, 3 cm represents 60,000 cm. Divide by 100 for 600 m, or by 100,000 for 0.6 km. Do not treat map centimeters as ground kilometers directly.

Scale for These Questions

Use a map scale of 1:50,000 unless another scale is specified. Measured routes are already traced along the paths described; do not assume a straight-line distance equals a road distance.

1. A route measures 6 cm on this map. How many kilometers does it represent? Answer

2. A route measures 10 cm. How many kilometers does it represent? Answer

3. A real route is 7 km long. How many centimeters does it occupy on this map? Answer

4. Which shows a smaller ground area on equal-sized sheets: 1:25,000 or 1:50,000? 1:50,000 1:25,000 Both must show the same area

5. Why can a road route be longer than the straight map distance between its endpoints? Map ratios apply only to oceans Centimeters change size along roads The road may bend or detour