Have you ever found yourself in a shop looking at maps and wondering, why are their different types of maps for the same place? Questioning the differences between the Pink OS Landranger and the orange OS Explorer maps? Fear not! This guide is here to help with your understanding of map scales and help you navigate with confidence.
Choosing the Right Map Scale:
When planning your adventures, selecting the appropriate map scale is crucial. Opting for a map with insufficient detail can make navigation challenging, while an excessively detailed map might force you to constantly flip pages or map sheets (no one likes refolding a map.)
The key factor indicating the level of detail shown on a map is the "scale." This is why different maps are tailored for different activities, each featuring a distinct map scale.
From Left to Right: OS 1:25k, OS 1:50k and Harveys 1:45k - demonstrating the difference in detail at different scales for the same area
What is a Map Scale?
The map scale indicates the ratio by which you would need to enlarge the map to match the actual size of the land you are observing.
For instance, if the scale on a map reads 1:25,000, it means that every 1cm on the map represents 25,000 of the same units of measurement on the ground (e.g., 25,000cm = 250 meters).
This indicates that every 4cm on the map corresponds to 1km in real life. To further facilitate understanding, the grid lines are precisely 4cm apart, making each square on the grid 1km by 1km. (on an OS 1:25,000 Map)
Although this might sound complex, both OS and Harvey Maps have a reminder written on the front cover, thankfully, saying exactly how many centimetres on the map equal 1 kilometre in the real world.
Maps are created at different scales to serve various purposes. The 1:25,000 scale map is highly suitable for walking, but if you attempt to use it for driving, you'll soon find yourself at the map's edge!
On the other hand, maps at a 1:250,000 scale (notice the additional zero) cover a much larger area but with less intricate detail.
Some people will decide to go for less detail in more mountainous places and more detail on flatter and less featured terrain.
In Conclusion:
By grasping the concept of map scale, you now will make your life easier when map reading.
Remember to choose the right map scale based on your intended activity and always refer to the provided scale on the map for accurate measurements. With practice, you'll become quicker at interpreting maps and navigating the world around you. Happy exploring!
Comentarios