What – Using the scale on a map to find the distance between one place and another.

Why – So that we can find the distance between one place and another.

How – By using a topographic map.

*Map Skills – Measuring distance and using a

scale.

*Scale and Distance.*All maps have to be made smaller than the

actual size of a place.

*So the scale on a map shows you how big the map is in comparison to the real place. (for example every centimetre on this map means 100km on the ground in real life.

*Scale on a map can be shown in the following ways.

*1 – Words. One centimetre = one kilometre

*2. Representative fraction. 1:100 000

*3. Line.

*Recap from last lesson. Write these scales as a

ratio.

*1cm on the map represents 2km in real life so the scale will be written as = _____________

*3cm represents 1km so the scale as a ratio = _______________

*5cm represents 100m so the scale as a ratio = ______________

*0.5cm represents 1m so the scale as a ratio = ______________

1 : 200’000

3 : 100’000

5: 10’000

1 : 200

You can do this using two different methods.

1. Use your ruler to pivot and add up the centimetres as you travel along the line then calculate using the scale line.

2. Use a piece of paper to make marks on it as you twist it.

REMEMBER WHICH EVER WAY YOU USE YOU MUST USE THE SCALE TO WORK OUT THE DISTANCE IN KILOMETRES (FOR A 1:50,000 MEASURE IN CM AND THEN DIVIDE BY 2 AS 1 KM IS EQUAL TO 2CM)

On the paper's edge

*Another method of measuring distance is to take a sheet of paper and place the corner of a straight edge on your starting point. Now pivot the paper until the edge follows the route that you want to take.

*Step 1

*Every time the route disappears or moves away from the straight edge of your paper, make a small mark on the edge and pivot the paper so the edge is back on course.

Step 2Repeat this process until you reach your destination

Step 3You should be left with a series of marks along the edge of your paper. You can now place the sheet against the scale bar on your map. The last mark you made will tell you the real distance you need to travel

* Using the Wellington map find the distances between the following places.

*1. Johnsonville Train Station to Khandallah Train Station. – 3km

*2. Government House to Point Halswell – 4.25km

*3. The top of Terawhiti Hill to the top or Outlook Hill – 4km

*4. The Ferry Terminal to Breakers Bay. – 8 km

1. – 3km

2. 4.25km

3. 4km

4. 8km

*Atlas A-Z Quiz