Interpreting Maps

Scale is

• the system used by geographers to transfer locations from a globe to a map.

• the spread of a phenomenon over a given area.

• the ratio of the largest to smallest areas on a map.

• the relationship between the length of an object on a map and that feature on the landscape.

1:24,000 is an example of what kind of scale?

• a ratio or fraction

• a metric scale

• a graphic scale

• a written scale

A mathematical process for transferring locations from a globe to a flat map is a(n)

• distribution.

• scale.

• projection.

• rendition.

A map projection may distort a continent, making it appear stretched in some areas and smashed in others in order to

• depict accurately the shape of that same continent.

• distort the distances and relative sizes of countries and continents.

• depict a map that accurately represents a globe in every detail.

• depict accurately the physical area of a country or continent.

If the scale of a map is 1:100,000, then 1 centimeter on the map represents ________ on Earth's surface.

• 1 kilometer

• 10 kilometers

• 10,000 kilometers

• 100,000 kilometers

The Mercator Projection is most distorted near

• the Prime Meridian

• the Equator

• the Poles

• lines of latitude

Which is NOT a form of distortion found on map projections of the globe?

• shape

• depth

• relative size

• direction

On the Mercator Projection, Greenland is grossly distorted. Which of the following comparisons is false in reality?

• Australia is about 3.5 times bigger than Greenland

• Africa is about 14 times bigger than Greenland.

• Greenland is about as big as South America

• Greenland is about 9 times bigger than United Kingdom.

Which of the following is NOT an ADVANTAGE of the Mercator Projection?

• Shape is distorted very little

• Direction is consistent

• It is rectangular and without interruption

• It elongates the polar regions

The ways in which the scale can be shown on the map include

• by words

• by the ratio

• by the line

• all of these