Final answer:
A smaller scale map refers to a map that covers a larger area with each unit of measure and typically shows less detail, such as global maps. A large scale map shows a smaller area with more detail, like street-level maps. The map scale is crucial for understanding the amount of detail and for accurately measuring distances.
Step-by-step explanation:
A smaller scale map typically shows less detail compared to a large scale map. This can be confusing because in cartography, the term 'small scale' refers to maps where the represented area is larger compared to the actual area and each unit of measure on the map covers a greater amount of land on the ground. Therefore, smaller scale maps provide a broader overview but less detail. For instance, a world map is a small scale map where countries and continents are visible but individual streets or buildings are not.
Conversely, a large scale map, such as a street-level map of a neighborhood, shows more detail because each unit of measure on the map represents a smaller area on the ground. This allows for greater specificity, with features such as individual buildings, street names, and other landmarks easily discernible.
When reading any map, whether small or large scale, it's important to utilize the scale, which is the ratio of distance on the map to the actual distance on the ground. This scale can be represented in numerical form, such as 1:100,000, or graphically with a scale bar. Understanding the scale of a map is essential for interpreting the level of detail and for accurately gauging distances and areas.