EDEXCEL GCSE FOUNDATION MATHS - What are Scales and Maps

Edexcel GCSE Foundation Maths: Understanding Scales and Maps

What is a Scale?

A scale on a map represents the relationship between the distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground. It tells you how much smaller the map is compared to the real world.

Types of Scales:

• Verbal Scale: Describes the relationship using words, e.g., "1 centimetre represents 10 kilometres".
• Representative Fraction (RF): Shows the ratio between map distance and real-world distance, e.g., 1:100,000 (meaning 1 unit on the map represents 100,000 units in reality).
• Linear Scale: A line with marked distances representing real-world distances, allowing you to measure distances directly on the map.

How to Use a Scale:

1. Identify the Scale: Determine the type of scale used on your map.

2. Convert Units: Ensure both the map distance and the real-world distance are in the same units (e.g., cm to cm or km to km).

3. Calculate Actual Distance:

• Verbal Scale: If the scale says "1 cm represents 10 km", and you measure a distance of 5 cm on the map, the real distance is 5 cm * 10 km/cm = 50 km.
• RF: If the RF is 1:100,000 and you measure 2 cm on the map, the real distance is 2 cm * 100,000 = 200,000 cm, which equals 2 km.
• Linear Scale: Use the marked distances on the scale to directly measure the real-world distance.

Example:

A map has a scale of 1:50,000. You measure a distance of 4 cm between two towns on the map. What is the actual distance between the towns?

1. Scale: Representative Fraction (1:50,000)
2. Units: We'll keep the units in cm.
3. Calculation: 4 cm * 50,000 = 200,000 cm.
4. Conversion: 200,000 cm = 2 km

Therefore, the actual distance between the towns is 2 km.

Understanding Maps:

Maps are graphical representations of a part of the Earth's surface. They provide information about geographical features like:

• Landforms: Mountains, valleys, rivers, etc.
• Settlements: Cities, towns, villages, etc.
• Roads and Transportation: Highways, railways, airports, etc.
• Political Boundaries: Countries, states, counties, etc.

Key Elements of a Map:

• Title: Tells you what the map depicts.
• Legend/Key: Explains symbols used on the map.
• Scale: Shows the relationship between the map and the real world.
• Compass Rose: Indicates directions (North, South, East, West).
• Grid Lines: Help locate specific points on the map.

Using Maps:

• Finding Locations: Use the map's key, grid lines, and compass to locate specific places.
• Measuring Distances: Use the scale to calculate real-world distances between points on the map.
• Interpreting Information: Analyze map symbols and data to understand geographical features and relationships.

Practice:

• Study various maps: Explore maps of your local area, country, and the world.
• Use a scale to calculate distances: Measure distances on maps and use the scale to convert them to real-world distances.
• Solve problems involving scales: Practice using different scales and types of maps to solve problems.

By understanding scales and maps, you can effectively interpret geographical information and navigate the world around you.