1.2.2 Map Scale

Lesson 1.2.2

Map Scale

Main Idea

Maps use different scales for different purposes.

Maps have different scales

• map scale shows how much distance on Earth is shown on the map

• large-scale maps cover a small area but shows many details

• small-scale maps cover a large area but includes few details

Scales are shown on ALL maps!

• a scale is usually shown in inches

• one inch on the map represents a much 

  larger distance on Earth, such as a number of miles

• the scale of a map should be appropriate for its purpose

• For example, a tourist map of Washington D.C. should be large-scale, showing every street name, monument, and museum.

• Maps of any scale also show geographic patterns

• The map of Washington D.C. , for example, would show that many government buildings are in one area in that city

Think of the map you just looked at..

That map is a small-scale map. The countries look small because the map is showing a big area. Small-scale maps are useful for showing vast regions, such as entire continents or many countries. This small-scale map shows all 13 independent countries in the Caribbean, plus the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. This allows you to see their location in relation to North America and South America.

Think of the map you just looked at..

That map is a large-scale map. The countries appear larger and in greater detail because a much more limited area is shown. Large-scale maps are useful for showing a lot of detail, such as national capitals and cities, and even streets, parks, and other features of a single neighborhood or community. The large-scale map zooms in on a group of islands known as the Greater Antilles (an-TIH-leez). The Greater Antilles include Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The eight smaller Caribbean nations that lie east of the Greater Antilles are known as the Lesser Antilles. The islands on this map appear large, making it possible to include more information, such as the location of capital cities and various bodies of water. 

Multiple Choice

Which map allows you to see a place in greater detail? Use the image to help you.

• Large Scale

• Small Scale

Multiple Choice

Which map allows you to see a greater area? Use the image to help you.

• Large Scale

• Small Scale

Multiple Choice

Which type of scale map would you use to indicate the location of all the countries on a continent? Use the image to help you.

• Large Scale

• Small Scale

Multiple Choice

Which type of scale map would you use to help a driver get from one side of a city to the other? Use the image to help you.

• Large Scale

• Small Scale

Multiple Choice

Which map’s scale measures a greater distance between tick marks? Use the image to help you.

• Large Scale

• Small Scale

Open Ended

Summary Question:

What are the purposes of small-scale maps and large-scale maps?