Activity: Map Scales and Distance

Maps, drawings and models are smaller than real life, so we use a scale to show how distances compare.

In this activity we'll:

• Calculate real distances using a map or model scale
• Work out the scale of maps, scale drawings or models as ratios

What's a Scale?

A scale compares distances on a map or model to real-life distances.

It is a ratio showing how much smaller (or larger) the drawing is than real life.

For example:

• A scale of 1 : 100 means 1 unit on the drawing represents 100 units in real life
• A scale of 1 cm : 1 km means 1 centimeter on the map represents 1 kilometer in real life

Scales can be shown in different ways:

• As a ratio (such as 1 : 50 000)
• As words (such as "1 cm represents 500 m")
• Using a scale bar on a map

Activity 1: Using a Map Scale

Example: Measuring distance on a map

Click the map to open full size for printing

Using the scale at the bottom right of the map:

• Direct Distance: What's the straight-line distance between Juniper and Bede Castle?
• Road Distance: What's the road distance between Juniper and Bede Castle?
• Multi-stop Journey: A traveler goes from Blean to Bede Castle, then down to Fava. How many kilometers did they travel in total?
• Day Out: The Singh family want to visit Mount Shine, how far is the journey?
• Fixed Distance: The Fava family want to go for a 2km walk, where can they go?
• Real-world Math: If you walk at 4 km per hour, how long would it take you to walk from Singh farm to Li farm?

Activity 2: Finding the Scale

Sometimes the scale is missing and we need to work it out.

Example: Finding a scale as a ratio

A model car is 10 cm long. The real car is 4 m long.

First let's convert to mm:

• 10 cm = 100 mm
• 4 m = 4000 mm

Now write the scale:

100 : 4000 = 1 : 40

The scale of the model is 1 : 40.

Your Turn

Find a model of a car, animal, ship, or anything really.

• Measure its length or height
• Find what the real object's length or height is
• Convert them to the same unit
• Work out the scale

Always convert to the same unit before working out a scale.

Try These

Activity 3: Use a Real Map

Now try using a real map:

• A local street map
• A map of a place you want to go on holidays
• A map of a country you want to visit

Steps:

1. Find the scale on the map
2. Measure a distance with a ruler
3. Calculate the real distance
4. Ask: Does this answer make sense?

Extension

Create your own map of a park, or a land of your own imagination.

• Choose a scale
• Draw the map carefully
• Swap maps with someone else and calculate distances