Simple Scale in Map Drawing: Definition & Construction Guide

Scale is extremely important for accurately representing distance in map drawing. Through a scale, real-world distances are represented in a reduced form on paper. Among the different types of scales, the simple scale is one of the most basic and widely used methods.

Definition of Simple Scale

A simple scale is formed when a straight line is divided into equal parts according to a fixed calculation, and each part represents a specific distance. It is also called Linear Scale, Graphic Scale, or Plain Scale. In a simple scale, generally—

• A straight line is taken;
• The line is divided into equal parts; and
• Each part represents a fixed distance (such as miles, kilometers, etc.).

Characteristics of Simple Scale

• It is easy to draw;
• It is used to measure small and medium distances;
• It can show main units and sub-units (such as miles and furlongs); and
• It is usually divided into whole numbers.

Method of Drawing a Simple Scale

The steps for drawing a simple scale are as follows:

Step 1: Drawing the Line
First, draw a straight line of a specific length labeled “A — B”.

Step 2: Determining Main Divisions
Divide the line into several equal parts (such as 5, 10, or 8 parts).
Each division represents one main unit (e.g., 1 mile, 5 miles).

Step 3: Using an Auxiliary Line
From point A, draw an auxiliary line at an angle. Mark equal distances on this line and join them to line “A — B” to divide AB into equal parts.

Step 4: Creating Subdivisions
Divide the first segment on the left into smaller equal parts (e.g., 10 parts). This helps represent smaller units (such as furlongs or chains).

Step 5: Labeling Values
Write the main units (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 miles) on the right side and sub-units (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3…) on the left side.

Drawing a Simple Scale from a Statement Scale (with Examples)

Example 1

Question: Draw a simple scale where 1 inch = 7 miles.

Solution:
Assume, we draw a scale of 6 inches.

Then,
6 inches = 6 × 7 = 42 miles

For convenience, take it as 40 miles.

Now,

Draw a 6-inch line

Divide it into 8 parts → each part = 5 miles

Divide the first part on the left into 5 parts → each small division = 1 mile

Therefore, the scale will show distances from 0 to 40 miles.

Drawing method: First, draw a straight line of 5.71 inches, representing a total of 40 miles. Then divide the line into 8 equal parts so that each part represents 5 miles (e.g., 5, 10, 15, etc.). Next, divide the first segment on the left into 5 equal smaller parts, each representing 1 mile. Finally, write the representative fraction (R.F.) below the scale as 1 : 443,520, since 1 inch equals 7 miles and 63,360 × 7 = 443,520.

Example 2

Question: Draw a simple scale to show furlongs and chains where 5 inches = 1 mile.

Solution:
1 mile = 8 furlongs = 80 chains

Then,

Draw a 5-inch line

Divide it into 8 parts → each part = 1 furlong

Divide the first part into 10 parts → each small division = 1 chain

In this way, both furlongs and chains can be shown on the scale.

Example 3

Question: Draw a simple scale in miles when R.F. = 1/100,000.

Solution:
1 mile = 63,360 inches

Then,
1 inch on the map = 100,000 inches in reality
= 100,000 ÷ 63,360 ≈ 1.57 miles

Therefore,

A 5-inch line will represent approximately 8 miles

Divide the line into 8 parts → each part = 1 mile

A simple scale is an important element in map drawing. It allows easy determination of real distances. If one has the skill to draw a simple scale from a statement scale or R.F., map analysis becomes easier and more accurate. It is a very important basic concept for learners and professionals. The better one understands the simple scale, the easier it becomes to measure distances on a map.

📚 References

1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography, Goh Cheng Leong — Oxford University Press.
2. Practical Geography, R. L. Singh and P. K. Dutt.
3. Elements of Practical Geography, R. L. Singh.
4. Geography and Environment textbooks for secondary and higher secondary levels, National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
5. Applied and Practical Geography, Abdul Rauf Kazi and Abul Mahmud Kazi, Sujoneshu Publications, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

✍️ Author : Md Shahin Alam

Follow Us on Our YouTube channel : GEONATCUL