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Mapwork - Measuring Distances
Straight Lines, Curves
Author:Syed Ali
Edu Level: CSEC
Date: Jul 20, 2024
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Mapwork - Measuring Distances
The Scale On A Map
Before measuring the distance you must familiarise yourself with the scale the map is drawn in.
The scale may be represented as a fraction or ratio for example,
125 000 or 1:25 000.
Alternatively you can use the linear scale at the bottom of the maps.
0 500 1000
|======|======|
Measuring Straight Lines
- To measure the distance take the straight edge of a piece of paper.
- Line it up to the relevant points in the map.
- Mark of those points on the paper after lining it up.
- Line up the piece of paper on the scale at the bottom of the map.
- Ensure it is aligned properly starting at 0.
- Observe the distance and ensure your answer is in the relevant metric e.g. (m or km)
Measuring Curved Lines
- To measure the distance take a piece of string that is not too thick but can be seen clearly when placed on the map.
- Place the string onto the starting point and mark it off on the rope with pencil.
- Using your fingers carefully manipulate the rope around corners and mark off as many points as you see fit to make it accurate.
- Line up the rope on the scale at the bottom of the map.
- Ensure it is aligned properly starting at 0.
- Observe the distance and ensure your answer is in the relevant metric e.g. (m or km)