Scale Defined

Once you have chosen the map product the next issue to decide is scale. Different scale maps provide different levels of detail in terms of features presented and area covered.

Simply defined, map scale is the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground. That is, there is a direct relationship between a unit of measurement on the map and the actual distance expressed in the same unit of measurement on the ground.

Below is a listing of common map scales and corresponding paper sizes. Each image will have the actual dimensions of the map area, a map information area that will contain title, legend, scale bar, etc..., and a common unit of property (40 acres or 1 square mile which is equivalent to 640 acres).

Paper dimensions of 24" x 36" at a scale of 1 inch = 100 feet

Paper dimensions of 36" x 48" at a scale of 1 inch = 100 feet

Paper dimensions of 24" x 36" at a scale of 1 inch = 200 feet

Paper dimensions of 36" x 48" at a scale of 1 inch = 200 feet

Paper dimensions of 24" x 36" at a scale of 1 inch = 400 feet

Paper dimensions of 36" x 48" at a scale of 1 inch = 400 feet

Paper dimensions of 24" x 36" at a scale of 1 inch = 800 feet

Paper dimensions of 36" x 48" at a scale of 1 inch = 800 feet

Paper dimensions of 24" x 36" at a scale of 1 inch = 1,000 feet

Paper dimensions of 36" x 48" at a scale of 1 inch = 1,000 feet

Paper dimensions of 24" x 36" at a scale of 1 inch = 1/4 mile (1,320 feet)

Paper dimensions of 36" x 48" at a scale of 1 inch = 1/4 mile (1,320 feet)

Paper dimensions of 24" x 36" at a scale of 1 inch = 2,000 feet or USGS 1:24,000

Paper dimensions of 36" x 48" at a scale of 1 inch = 2,000 feet or USGS 1:24,000