Definition
Map scale
A map scale is the fixed relationship between map distance and real distance.
What it means
A map shrinks real distances by one steady rule. Read the rule, measure the map distance, and multiply or divide as needed. Convert the units carefully so the map distance and real distance are being compared correctly.
Remember it
One tiny map length stands for one matching real-world length.
Example
A map says 1 cm represents 250 m. A route measuring 6 cm on the map represents 6 × 250 = 1,500 m, which is 1.5 km.
Watch for
In a ratio scale such as 1:50,000, both numbers use the same unit before any conversion.
Common mix-up
The second number in 1:50,000 is not automatically metres; it is 50,000 of the same unit as the first number.
Exact meaning
A map scale is a constant proportional relationship between a length measured on a map or plan and the corresponding length in the real place, expressed with consistent units as a ratio, statement, or scale bar.