A statement of scale (also known as a verbal scale) offers the advantage of simplicity and ease of understanding, but it lacks flexibility.
Advantages of Statement of Scale
- Simplicity: The primary advantage of a statement of scale is its easy comprehension. Expressing the scale in words (e.g., "1 centimeter represents 1 kilometer") makes it immediately understandable to a wide audience, even those unfamiliar with map reading. This directness avoids the need for calculations or interpretation.
Disadvantages of Statement of Scale
- Non-Flexibility: Its major limitation is its inflexibility. The statement of scale becomes inaccurate if the map is reduced or enlarged (photocopied, digitally resized, etc.). The verbal scale is tied to the original size of the map. Therefore, any alteration of the map's dimensions renders the stated scale incorrect. Unlike a representative fraction or a graphic scale (bar scale), it cannot be directly adjusted to reflect the new size.
In summary, while easy to understand, the lack of adaptability makes the statement of scale less useful than other types of map scales, particularly when maps are intended to be reproduced or viewed at different sizes.
