Understanding Map Scale

Understanding Map Scale

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use the provided map scale to help you with the measurement questions.

A map scale helps us understand the real distance between places on a map. For example, if a map scale says 1 inch = 10 miles, it means every inch you measure on the map is actually 10 miles in the real world.

Look at the map scale below:

Imagine this ruler represents a map scale where 1 inch = 5 miles.

1. What does a map scale help you find?

2. If a map scale says 1 cm = 100 km, how many kilometers does 3 cm on the map represent?

3. A map scale helps us understand the   between two points on a map.

4. If a map scale reads 1 inch = 20 miles, then 2 inches on the map would equal   miles in real life.

5. Explain in your own words why maps need a scale.

6. Imagine you are planning a trip. How would using a map scale help you?

7. A map scale makes places on a map look bigger than they are in real life.

8. All maps have the same scale.