Final answer:
Small-scale maps are used for large countries or continents and large-scale maps for city neighborhoods. Maps should include a scale bar, orientation marker, and legend for symbols. The True Size tool can help visualize actual sizes of landmasses.
Step-by-step explanation:
For representing large countries or continents, a small-scale map would be more appropriate. This type of scale may be 1:1,000,000 or even smaller to effectively capture the expanse of a continent or large country on a single sheet of paper without excessive detail. On the other hand, for a city neighborhood, a large-scale map would be more suitable. This scale might be 1:10,000 or larger to provide a greater level of detail for streets, buildings, and landmarks within a more confined area.
When using a map scale, it's important to include a scale bar that visually represents the ratio of distance on the map to the actual distance on the ground. It should be relative to both kilometers and miles for usability. Additionally, maps should include an orientation marker such as an arrow pointing north and, if applicable, include latitude and longitude references for greater precision. A legend should also be present to provide an explanation of any symbols, colors, lines, or icons used on the map.
To ensure accuracy, especially when working with large geographical areas prone to distortion like in Mercator projection maps, tools like The True Size can be used to compare the actual sizes of landmasses and understand how projection can affect perceived size and distance.