“Scale” is a common word used by those who work with geographic information. It can have many different meanings, from the size of objects to how those objects are represented on a map. It can also be used as a verb, which refers to the process of making something bigger or smaller. In this section, we will discuss the various meanings of scale and how to use them to understand geographic data. The following are some examples.
Scale is the relationship of size between a model’s size and the actual size of that object. It is an important tool in representing real-world things on paper in smaller sizes. The size of an object in a piece of art is often referenced in the form of a scale, which is the ratio of lengths. A common example of a scale is a Richter scale. This scale is a perfect example of how to apply the principle of scale to an artistic work.
Besides being a good conductor of electricity, scale also acts as a cathode on a metal surface. This anode-cathode setup allows electrons to flow freely and cause corrosion. Because the process is localized, scale formation can greatly reduce the efficiency of heat transfer. In fact, a millimeter-thick scale can add 7.5% to the cost of energy in a heating system. A seven-mm thick scale increases energy costs by more than 70 percent.
In drawing, scales are used to show the sizes of real objects. Scales can also be used to describe the relationship between an object’s length and its distance on a graph. One millimeter on a drawing is equal to 150mm on a real horse. A 1:10 scale can also refer to a jug. The smaller intervals represent smaller quantities of water. The larger intervals are the dimensions of an object in a drawing.
Another way to express map scale is with a bar or graphic. This type of scale remains true even when the map is magnified or shrunk. Graphic scales are particularly useful on web maps. Most maps incorporate a bar or graphic scale. Other types express the scale in terms of a percentage. The implication of a bar scale is that it is uniform on all maps, whereas the scale on a map is a varying representation of a unit.