An example of a verbal scale is "One inch equals 10 miles."
Understanding Verbal Scales
A verbal scale is a method used primarily on maps to communicate the relationship between a distance measured on the map and the corresponding distance on the actual ground. It uses words to express this ratio, making it straightforward for anyone to understand the scale.
According to the definition, a verbal map scale "expresses the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground in words; for example: 'One inch equals 10 miles.'" This means that if you measure one inch on the map, that measurement represents a distance of 10 miles in the real world.
The Example: "One inch equals 10 miles"
The phrase "One inch equals 10 miles" is a classic and clear example of a verbal scale. It directly states that every inch measured on the map corresponds to a distance of 10 miles on the ground.
Here's how this example breaks down:
- Map Distance: 1 inch
- Ground Distance: 10 miles
This simple statement allows map users to easily estimate real-world distances by measuring distances on the map with a ruler.
| On the Map | On the Ground |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 10 miles |
| 2 inches | 20 miles |
| 0.5 inches | 5 miles |
Verbal scales are particularly useful because they are easy to interpret without needing to understand fractional ratios or representative fractions (like 1:24,000).
