How do you read the scale on a map?

The second number is the ground distance. For example, if your U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) map has a scale of 1:24,000, it means that one inch on the map is equal to 24,000 inches (2000 feet or 609.6 meters) in the real world. Your map's scale legend will always be at the bottom. read more

Discover the definition of large- and small-scale maps and learn about the types of scales that you'll find in different map legends. read more

Topographic Map Scale - A topographic map scale can help you figure out the distance between points on a map. Learn how to read the scale on a topographic map. read more