5 Map and Map Scale

-Ganesh Prasad Sigdel

LMTC

5.1 Map:
In formal definition, map is defined as reduced and generalized, symbolized and projected representation of
selected features on the earth or its part. The above statement mainly focuses on the three essential
components for a map, viz:

 Reduction and generalization

 Symbolization, and
 Projection

The term reduction means that the map is always made smaller than the real ground. The map would have
no meaning, if the size of map was same as that of ground. So, the map is always smaller than ground
reality, and is so portable and handy. For an example, we can see a whole district on a map of 50 cm * 50
cm. That is obtained through reduction. Secondly, while preparing map, not all features on ground are
represented. Only those features which have meaning on the map being prepared are represented. This
process of including only the required features on map is termed selection in language of surveying. And
for the selected features, they may not be represented exactly as in ground while representing on map. The
features and their geometry are simplified so as to make map neat and readable. This process of simplifying
the geometry of the features on map is called generalization. So, every map is generalized, though the extent
of generalization may vary from map to map.

The main difference between map and photo is in terms of representation of features. On photographs, the
objects are represented using their real appearance, while in map, objects are represented using appropriate
symbols, same symbol being assigned to objects having similar characteristics regardless of their visual
appearance. The purpose behind symbolizing the features is making them readable and easily
understandable with the help of symbols. For examples, two highways may not be of same width on real
ground, but one can see that both of the highways are represented using common symbol in map, regardless
of difference in their appearance in ground.

The third entity of the map indicates that the map is always projected. The term projection refers to
obtaining the object of a three-dimensional object by transforming it to a plane. This ultimately creates the
view of that object as seen on that plane. As the platform used by map for representation of ground is 2D,
the 3D earth needs to be projected. So, the map is always 2D and is obtained by projection.

5.2 From Earth to Map

Reduction Projection

Figure 5-1 Earth to Map

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Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
The map we see and use daily are obtained in two stages. On the first stage, the prototype of the earth, or the
minimized representation of earth, without distortion on it’s shape as in globe. This is the model of earth.
But, the globe may not be handy and portable on all times. The portable version of the maps are obtained
from globe by projection. Though the exact shape and size cannot be preserved in map and distortion occurs,
this is preferred for being handy and portable for use.

5.3 Map Scale

As discussed earlier, no maps can be as large as the real ground. If they are, they have no meaning. If the
map is to be prepared by squeezing the larger ground in smaller area, the details need to be squeezed
uniformly and systematically, i.e. by preserving the relative shape of the area being mapped. The extent of
compression of details while preparing map is called map scale. Formally, scale is the ratio of length of a
line on map and corresponding line on ground. Since the scale is ratio of two lengths, it is a dimensionless
quantity, usually expressed in proportion. Mathematically,

map distance ( d )
map scale ( s ) =
ground distance ( D )

For instance, let us take an example of scale of 1:5000. It indicates that the map has been compressed such
that a line of unit length (say 1 cm) on map would represent 5000 units (5000 m) on ground. If we were to
relate scale to the map and ground area of map, it would be as:

maparea ( a )
s2=
ground area ( A )

The reason behind the use of square of area on LHS of the above equation is the dimension of the quantity.
Since area is a two-dimensional quantity, generally expressed as product of length and width, the scaling is
carried out on both directions, i.e. towards length and breadth. So, the square of scale of map is equal to the
ratio of map area and ground area of a feature. Though not relevant, if we were taking ratio of map volume
and ground volume, it would be equal to cube of scale.

5.4 Comparison of Scales

As seen from above example, scales are generally expressed as ratio, where numerator is usually 1 and
denominator is some value. As the larger denominator indicates highly compressed maps and
mathematically also higher if we are required to compare two scales, we can say that u “if the denominator
on a scale increases, the scale gets smaller”. Let’s illustrate it with example. Let us take two scales say 1:500
and 1:1000. The scale of 1:500 says that a line 500 m was reduced to 1 m on map. On the other hand, if the
same line was represented on another map of scale of 1:1000, a line of 1000 m would be represented as 1 m,
which means the same line of 500 m will just be 0.5 meters, which is half of the previous one. So, it can be
said that 1:1000 is half of the scale 1:500, or 1:500 is double the scale of 1:1000.

5.5 Types of Scale

Scale can be classified on different basis. Of those, the main basis for classifying scale are it’s value and
method of representation.

Though the breakpoints for classifying map scale may differ from nation to nation, in Nepalese context, on
the basis of the value of the scale of map, map scale is classified as follows:

Scale less than or equal to 1:10000 small scale

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Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
 Scale greater than 10000 and smaller than 1:5000 medium scale

Scale greater than or equal to 1:5000 large scale

But the major reference for classification of scale is the way it is represented. The following chart illustrates
the types of scale on the basis of their construction/representation:

Scale

Numerical Scale Graphical Scale

Engineer’s Scale
Representative Fraction Plain Scale Diagonal Scale

Vernier Scale Scale of Chords

Chart 5-1 Classification of Map Scale

Tteadasf

5.5.1 Numerical Scale

As name suggests, numerical scales are constructed on map by use of numbers. Since these are easily
expressed in numbers without constructing drawings in map, they are easier to construct and understand.
Dispite this advantage, main drawback of the numerical scale is that on prolonged use of the map, when
paper shrinks, the actual map scale gets altered(usually gets smaller) but the mentioned scale on map is still
the same, that means the scale is uncorrect after shrinkage of map. As an example, let us consider a map
prepared at scale of 1:100. It means that the line of 1 cm represented 1 m at the time of preparation. If the
map shrinks that the line initially 1 cm is 0.9 cm only, the actual scale of map should be 0.9:500, i.e.
1:555.5. But the mentioned scale is still 1:500. And the measurement made with 1:500 will now be
incorrect.

Numerical scale is further classified into two types namely Engineer’s scale and representative fraction. The
following table makes comparison between Engineer’s scale and Representative fraction.
Table 5-1 Comparison between Engineers Scale and RF

S
Particulars Representative Fraction (RF) Engineer’s Scale
N
1 Representation Represented as fraction where Represented as equation where LHS
numerator represents map distance represents map distance and RHS
and denominator represents represents corresponding ground
corresponding ground distance distance
2 Example 1:100 1 cm = 1 m
3 Choice of units Since it is ratio, it seems to be The LHS and RHS of the equation
unitless. But the both measurements have different units assigned, LHS

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Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
 should be in same unit. i.e. if the carrying smaller unit and RHS
numerator is in cm , denominator carrying larger(ground) unit.
should be in cm.
4 Alternate name Also called representative ratio Also called Verbal scale as it can be
interpreted by speaking verbally
5 Area/ scope of use Used mainly on surveying, mapping Used mainly in Engineering and
construction sector.
Further discussing on above table, we can see the representative fraction unitless, since it is just a ratio. But
an essential requirement of RF is that both the measurements need to be in same unit. The freedom of choice
and allocation of unit is granted to user. 1:100 can be interpreted as 1 inch = 100 inch, 1 cm = 100 cm, 1 m =
1 m or whatever unit user wants to use.

In summary it can be concluded that: if a Engineer’s scale is converted to RF by several persons, the result
is unique since the unit is already allocated and what they do is just their conversion. But, if a RF is to be
converted to Engineer’s scale, output may vary from person to person due to difference in choice of unit.

5.5.1.1 Conversion from Engineer’s scale to RF

Example 1. Convert 1 inch=100 feet to RF Example 2. Convert 1 cm = 0.25 km into RF

soln, soln,

Given 1 inch = 100 feet Given 1 cm = 0.25 km

Or , 1 inch = 100*12 inch Or , 1 cm = 0.25*1000*100 cm

Or, 1 inch = 1200 inch Or, 1 cm = 25000 cm

Taking ratio, RF is 1:1200 Taking ratio, RF is 1:25000

5.5.1.2 Conversion from RF to Engineer’s Scale
As mentioned earlier, the conversion from RF to Engineer’s scale won’t be unique as units can be assigned
differently while converting. Let’s see it with the following example.

Let us take an example of RF given as 1:4800. We will see two ways the same RF can be converted into
Engineer’s scale:

soln, soln,

Given RF is 1:4800 Given RF is 1:4800

If one chooses cm as the unit If one chooses inch as the unit

Or , 1 :4800, Or , 1 :4800,

Or, 1 cm = 4800 cm Or, 1 inch = 4800 inch

Or, 1 cm = 4.8 m Or, 1 inch = 400 feet

The above illustration shows the same RF can be converted into Engineer’s scale in different units. The
choice of unit depends on the purpose and requirement.

5.5.2 Graphical Scale

The term graphical refers to related to drawing. So, obviously the graphical scale should refer to the scale
that is represented in forms of drawing. These types of maps are drawn on one end or side of map itself

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Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
such that it is marked to show corresponding ground distance. Any distance on map is interpreted by
measuring them and comparing them with the scale drawn on the map.

Though graphical scale is difficult in construction due to tedious drawings and calculations, the bright side
of using it resides on it’s reliability. If a map is used for long time, the map may shrink. But, as the graphical
shrinks by same proportion as that of map, the comparison of the line on map with the scale is still the same.
That means the graphical scale is considered still to be correct even after shrinkage of map. Due to the same
reason, almost all maps contain graphical scale on them.

On the basis of construction and the achievable or measuring accuracy of graphical scale, it can be classified
as plain scale, diagonal scale and vernier scale( refer to. Chart 1). On the following section, we will discuss
on the types of graphical scale.

5.5.2.1 Plain Scale

This is the graphical scale designed so as to take measurements upto two units, or the main scale and its
fraction (say meters and decimeters).

Figure 5-2 Plain Scale

As seen in figure.2,a plain scale consists of a line divided into a no. of divisions of equal length, the length
of the division and no. of divisions being determined according to the intended use of plain scale. The zero
is placed after the first division. The right part of the scale, the primary part consists of the main scale of
measurement, increasing rightwards. The first division is further divided into the fraction of the main scale,
or the second unit.In above figure, the no. of divisions on the left is 10,as 1 meters is equal to 10 decineter.
The graduation increases in opposite direction, i.e. leftwards, such that the required distance can be
measured as a single line continuously.

Method of construction of plain scale(example)

Example: Construct a plain scale of 1:25 that measures to cm and dm, to measure a maximum of 5 meters.

 Scale = 1:25, required ground distance = 5 m. So, required length of scale = RF * maximum
distance = 1:25 *500 cm = 20 cm
 A line 20 cm is constructed. And since 1 m on ground should be equal to 4 cm on map, the line is
divided into four divisions, each of length 4 cm
 The first division is splitted into 10 divisions each representing a dm, and the label value is increased
leftwards.

Figure 5-3 Plane scale 1:25

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Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
5.5.2.2 Diagonal Scale
While the plain scale can measure upto two units,the accuracy of measurement can
be increased by adding an additional part to the plain scale.So, the diagonal scale
can be used to make measurements in three units( say m, dm and cm) .

5.5.2.3 Principle of Diagonal Scale

Diagonal scale is based on the principle of similar triangles that the ratio of
corresponding sides of similar triangles with common vertex is same. For an
example, let’s refer to fig. 4. Let OA be a line of certain length and AB be
perpendicular to it at point A. If the line is divided into a no. of divisions(say 10
divisions) each of uniform length and line A1B1, A2B2,….A9B9 are drawn parallel Figure 5-4 Diagonal Scale
to AB, the triangles OA1B1, OA2B2,…OA9B9 are similar to triangle OAB. By Principle

using properties of similar triangles, we can say that,

A 1 B1 OA 1 A 2 B2 OA 2 A 3 B 3 OA 3
= , = , = ……
AB OA AB OA AB OA

In above example, if the length of line AB is decimeters, the length of line A1B1, A2B2, etc. will be 1 cm, 2
cm,…. respectively. This means by using the diagonal scale the accuracy of measurement of scale was
increased to further one smaller unit.

5.5.2.4 Construction of diagonal scale

As seen if fig.4, the diagonal scale is essentially the plain scale containing an additional diagonal for
measuring the third unit. The left hand side part(i.e. part before zero) of the scale is divided into smaller

Figure 5-5 Diagonal Scale : Construction

divisions, each division representing one second unit(hectometer in above figure). From each of those
division marks, a perpendicular line of required length is raised from each. The vertical line is divided into
no. of divisions equal to that in fractional part of horizontal scale and the lines parallel to scale are drawn.
The bottom of zero is joined to top mark of 1 and similarly a no. of diagonals are constructed. The diagonal
scale is now ready.

To take measurements, the main unit is measured on right part of scale, second unit on left part of scale and
the third unit is measured on vertical part of the left hand side of scale, the value of third unit being
determined by the no. of horizontal line above the scale.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
5.5.3 Vernier Scale
The vernier scale named after it’s inventor, French mathematician Pierre Vernier in 1631, is a type of scale
used to measure the fraction of the main unit of scale.

5.5.3.1 Construction of Vernier Scale

Vernier Scale consists of two scales; one of them is fixed called main scale. The other scale which can be
slided over the main scale is called the vernier scale. Both the main scale and vernier scale consist of a no. of
uniformly spaced divisions. But the spacing of the main scale is not equal to that of the vernier scale. At any
position, of those several lines of vernier scale, only one line exactly coincides with a line of main scale. An
d the measurement is taken on reference of the coinciding line of vernier scale. The total value being
measured is determined by adding up the measurements taken on main scale and vernier scale, namely main
scale reading and vernier scale reading.

5.5.3.2 Principle of Vernier Scale

Vernier scale is based on the ability of human eye of judgment. The basis of the vernier scale is that “when
two different lines from different scale fall on a common plane and coincide to form a single eye, human eye
can identify it correctly.” That means, human eye can identify the coincident line and extract its value.

5.5.3.3 Types of vernier scale

Based on the relative direction of graduation and comparison of the lengths of the main and vernier scale
divisions, the vernier scale has been classified as direct vernier, retrograde vernier and extended
vernier.

5.5.3.4 Direct Vernier

In this type of vernier, the
divisions of vernier scale are
made shorter than that of
main scale such that the
length of ‘n’ divisions of
vernier scale is equal to that
of ‘n-1’ main scale divisions. Figure 5-6 Direct Vernier
For an example, the length of
10 vernier divisions may be equal to 9 main scale divisions as in vernier caliper. Secondly, the graduation of
vernier scale increases on same direction as that of main scale. This type of vernier is more in use in survey
instruments as vernier theodolite, abney level and so on.

Least count of Direct Vernier

Physically, the least count of any instrument indicates the smallest measurement that can be taken using that
particular instrument. So, the measurements made are obtained in it’s multiple. For an example, if the least
count of a scale is 1 cm, the scale can take measurement as small as 1 cm, i.e. the distance measured it will
be like 1.41 m, but not 1.413, because the third digit(mm) cannot be measured by it. Smaller the numerical
value of least count, the scale (or device) is said to be more precise.

Least count of vernier can be understood or defined in three ways:

 The smallest value that can be measured with scale

 The difference in value of smallest divisions of main scale and vernier scale
 Value of smallest main scale divided by no. of divisions in vernier scale.

Here, we will derive the mathematical relation for least count of vernier:
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Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
 Let , s be the value of smalles division of main scale∧v be the value of vernier division .
Since in direct vernier, the value of n vernier divisions is equal to that of ( n-1 ) main scale divisions:
n−1 n−1
nv= ( n−1 ) s v= sot, least count ( l.c. ) =s-v or, least count = s – s
n n

n−1
or, least count(l.c.) =s(1- ) or, least count(l.c.) =s/n
n
value of smallest division of main scale( s)
So ,least count=
no . of divisions∈vernier (n)

Example. An abney level has been constructed such that the value of main scale is 1° and the length of 6
vernier divisions is equal to that of five main scale divisions. Find the least count of abney level.

Soln. here from given data, s = 1° and n = 6

So, least count (l.c.) = s/n = 1°/6 = 60’/ 6 = 10’

5.5.3.5 Retrograde vernier

This type of vernier is just reverse to that of the direct vernier. That means, the division of vernier scale is
longer than that of main scale. Numerically, the length of ‘n’ divisions of vernier scale is equal to that of ‘n
+1’ divisions of main scale. Regarding graduation direction, the direction of increment of graduation of
main scale and vernier scale are reverse. Or, it can be said the graduation of main vernier scale increases in
the direction the graduation of main scale decreases. A sample vernier scale has been shown in adjacent
figure

On the adjacent figure, it can be seen that the

length of 10 vernier scale divisions is equal to that
of 11 main scale divisions. And the graduation
directions are just reverse.

The mathematical relation for least count of

retrograde vernier is same as that of direct Figure 5-7 A sample retrograde vernier
vernier.

The following direction summarizes the comparison between direct vernier and retrograde vernier.
Table 5-2 Comparison between direct and retrograde vernier

SN Particulars Direct Vernier Retrograde Vernier

1 Graduation Main and vernier scale increase in Main and vernier scale increases in
same direction opposite direction
2 Division length Main scale division is longer than Main scale division is shorter than
vernier scale division vernier scale division
3 Numerical relation Length of n vernier scale division is Length of n vernier scale divisions is
betn division equal to n – 1 main scale divisions equal to that of n + 1 main scale
length divisions
5.5.3.6 Extended vernier
Extended vernier is similar to main scale except the length of n vernier scale divisions is equal to that of (2n
-1) main scale divisions. The least count of extended vernier is calculated as:

Least count = 2s –d
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Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
The above relation leads finally to the mathematical relation same as in above case, which is ultimately the
ratio of one main scale division divided by no. of divisions in vernier.

5.6 Characteristics of good scale

The map scales drawn on map should be readable and legibly drawn to make it understandable by the user.
The following characteristics need to be prepared by good scale:

 Neither too long neither too short: the length of the scale should be kept between 16 cm and
32 cm
 Appropriate height of scale: the height of the plain scale should be limited between 6 mm and
10 mm
 Readable division values: the division values of the plain scale should not be kept on
fractions or upto unit values. Multiple of hundreds, thousands etc are preferred
 One division before zero: the zero should be placed after first division and the first division
should be further sub-divided into smaller unit and graduated in opposite direction from zero
mark
 Label the scale with RF: every graphical scale should be named and the corresponding
representative fraction of the scale should be written below the scale

5.7 Scalelessness in digital environment

Till now in above sections, we were discussing focused on analog maps prepared on hard copy papers at
some fixed scale. So, those maps can be said to carry out some scale. In recent days, with evolution of
digital technology, maps are being prepared digitally and viewed on screen instead of paper maps. The maps
now seem similar to image, that means we may zoom in or out as required. That means the same object will
appear larger or smaller dynamically with different zoom level. The same object appearing smaller and
larger means the scale of the map is being changed dynamically. This facility is called the scalelessness of
digital maps. It doesnot mean that the map doesnot have scale. The map scale but it is dynamic, or it is not
fixed. Due to this property of digital data and maps, digital environment is said to be scaleless.

5.8 Shrunk Scale

As discussion above, on prolonged use of maps, the paper of the map shrinks, due to which the objects on
the map now appear smaller as compared to their size when prepared. This ultimately changes the scale as
the map size of the object is now smaller though its size on ground is still the same. Since map normally
shrinks and reduces in size, the scale normally gets smaller. The new scale of map after shrinkage of map is
called shrunk scale. Shrunk scale is normally smaller than original scale. Shrunk scale is calculated as
follows:

shrunk length of a line

shrinkage factor=
originallength of line

The shrinkage is normally smaller than one since map normally shrinks. The factor may be greater than one
in case of expansion, which is rare and may happen on maps prepared on cloth or linen.

From this shrinkage factor, the new scale(shrunk scale) is calculated as:

Shrunk scale = original scale * shrinkage factor

Due to shrinkage of the map, the new area and length of the line gets smaller than that on the original map.
The reason behind this is that the main paper has shrunk means the object drawn on it will shrink

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Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
proportionally. So, the map distance and the area of the features will reduce proportionally. So, the shrunk
length and area of the features drawn on map can be calculated as:

shrunk length=original length∗shrinka≥factor shrunk map area=( shrinkage factor)2∗originalmap area

Example I: A map prepared some years ago at scale of 1:2500 has shrunk such that a line initially 4 cm on
initial map now measures 3.96 cm only. Find the shrunk scale of the map. A parcel was measured today
using planimeter and the area on map was found to be 56 cm2 . Find the ground area of the parcel.

Soln:

Given, original scale = 1:2500

Original length of a line = 4 cm

Shrunk length of line = 3.96 cm

Shrunk scale =?

Map area of parcel on shrunk map(a) = 56 cm2

Actual ground area(A) =?

Shrinkage factor= 3.96 cm / 4.00 cm = 0.99

Shrunk scale = 0.99*(1:2500) = 1:( 2500/0.99) = 2525.25

Since the map area of the parcel was measured on shrunk scale, the shrunk scale should be used to
calculate ground area.So,

Ground area(A) = a/s2

=56 cm2 /(1:2525.25)2

= 56 * (2525.25)2 cm2

= 56* 6376887.5625 cm2

=357105703.5 cm2

=35710.57 m2

5.9 Measurement with Wrong Scale

The essential requirement of using scale is that the measurements need to be made with the the same scale at
which the scale is prepared, if we are expecting correct measurements. But, it may not always be possible
since the scale same as that of map may not be available all the time. When the maps are measured using
scale different than map scale, they are interpreted wrongly,and the measurement wont be correct. When the
measurements on map are made using scale different than map scale, such measurements are termed
measurement with wrong scale.

Let us take an example of a measurement made on 1:500 scale map with a scale of 1:2500. Since the scale
being used for measurement is 1:2500, it assumes the map scale is 1:2500 and convert accordingly. That
means the ground distance will be obtained by exaggerating map feature 2500 times, which actually had to

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Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
be just 500 times. Since the object was exaggerated 2500 times instead of 500 times, the obtained
measurement will be five times larger than it actually was.

So, if the same object on map is measured with two different scale, the value obtained by measuring with
small scale will be higher than that obtained while measuring with large scale:

The measurement made with wrong scale can be converted into original scale using following relation:

wrong scale
correct distance= ∗distance measured with wrong scale
actual scale
wrong scale 2
correct area= ( )
actual scale
∗area measured with wrong scale

Solved Examples:

1. The area of a parcel on cadastral map of scale 1:500 was measured and the area was calculated to be
25 m2. Later it was discovered that the surveyor had used a wrong scale of 1:1000. What is the actual
area of the parcel being measured?

Soln: On the first method, lets solve it logically. As described by the question, the actual scale of the map
was 1:500. But since the surveyor used the scale of 1:1000, it is assumed that the scale of the map too is
1:1000. As the map will be interpreted as being reduced highly, it will be exaggerated 1000 times while
calculating ground area, which actually should have been 500 times. That means the length wil be
interpreted as twice of the actual length. Since, here we are discussing on the area, area being two-
dimensional, the ratio will be squared. So, the area obtained will be four times the actual area. That
means the actual area is 25 m2/4 = 6.25 m2.

Second method, lets solve it numerically:

wrong scale 2 1 :1000 2

correct area= ( )
actual scale
∗area measured with wrong scalecorrect area= (
1 : 500 )
∗25 m2

500 2 1 2
correct area= ( 1000 ) 2
∗25 m correct area= ()
2
2
∗25 m correct area=6.25 m2

5.10 Scale and Error

Theoretically, a dot drawn on map is said to represent ¼ mm or 0.25mm independent of map scale. But as
the scales of different map can be different, the same dot of 0.25 mm will represent different ground
distance. For an example, the same dot will represent 0.25*1000 mm = 25 cm on ground, whereas the same
dot will represent 0.25*500 mm = 12.5 cm on the map of 1:500. The ground distance represented by a dot
on a map of certain scale is called the plotting error at that scale. As the same dot will be exaggerated
higher on conversion on small scale, same dot will represent larger ground distance on small scale map and
vice versa. So, the value of plotting error is inversely proportional to the map scale. Smaller the map scale,
larger will be the plotting error.

Plotting error physically indicates the size of the smallest object that can be represented on a map of certain
scale. As an example, if the plotting error of map of scale 1:25000 is 6.25 m, it indicates that the features
smaller than 6.25 cm can be shown on that map. Higher the plotting error, lesser is the accuracy.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073
Besides indicating the size of smallest plottable object, the plotting error is related to the accuracy of
instrument setup in graphical survey. For an example, if the value of plotting error at some scale is e, then
the instrument(say plane table) should be centred such that the map point should be within r distance from
the ground mark.

For now, if a dot is said to be a square of 0.25 mm x 0.25mm on map, lets interpret it as viewed by
enlarging. Then the maximum length covered by the dot will be along its diagonal, which will be √2 times
the length of square.The maximum ground distance covered by a dot at certain scale is termed permissible
error at that scale. Permissible error is √2 times the plotting error at corresponding scale.

Table 5-3 summarizes some of the values of plotting error and permissible error at those scales:
5-3 Plotting error and permissible error at some scales

SN Scale Plotting error Permissible error

1 1:50000 12.5 m 17.7 m

2 1:25000 6.25 m 8.84 m

3 1:2500 62.5 cm 88.4 cm

4 1:1250 31.25 m 44.19 cm

5 1:500 12.5 cm 17.7 cm

5.11 Importance and Use of Map Scale

Since map are prepared by reducing, their size on map will be different from that on ground. For a viewer
who uses the map, if the map scale is not shown on the map, the user may not be able to identify the extent
to which the features have been compressed while preparing it. That means, scale is important for
interpreting the ground distance (or area) of the features being represented on the map.

The main difference between the map and sketch is that: map are always scaled and prepared at fixed scale,
which is not essential for sketch. If a map is prepared, but without stating or placing scale on it, it will just
be a sketch, not a map. So, map scales are essential for correct interpretation of features.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Er. Ganesh Prasad Sigdel DiGE
LMTC, 2073