Final answer:
A scale of 1 inch = 8 miles is an example of a written scale that represents how map units relate to actual ground units. By using proportions, we can translate map measurements to actual distances and vice versa, aiding in navigation and understanding of maps.
Step-by-step explanation:
A scale of 1 inch = 8 miles is an example of a written scale. This type of scale represents the relationship between a unit of measurement on the map and the actual distance on the ground. It provides a direct lexical representation of the scale and is typically expressed in words or text. To use this scale and figure out map distances or actual distances, you would set up a proportion. For example, if you have a distance of 16.5 miles and a scale of 1 inch = 8 miles, your proportion would be 1 inch / 8 miles = x inches / 16.5 miles. By solving for x, you can determine the number of inches needed on the map to represent 16.5 actual miles. Similarly, when given a drawing scale measurement and you wish to find the actual distance it represents, use the same proportion method. For example, with a scale of 0.5 inches = 100 miles, and a map measurement of 8.1 inches, you'd use the proportion 0.5 inches / 100 miles = 8.1 inches / x miles to find the actual miles represented by 8.1 inches on the map.