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Most maps have a key and a scale bar in order to what?

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Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Representative Text / Ratio Scale

Ratio scales are one of the most common ways to depict scale on maps. It tells the map reader that one unit on the map is equal to a certain number of units in the real world.

Example: 1:2500

For example, 1:2500 means that 1 cm = 2500 cm. Because 2500 cm is difficult to interpret, we convert into a unit that is more understandable.

In this case, there are 100 centimeters in a meter. When we convert centimeters to meters, 1 cm on the map is equal to 25 meters in real life. When you change scales, it makes more sense to understand distance.

Stated Scale

Stated scales tie in well with ratio scales. But the key difference is how you start with a ratio and convert the units to a more understandable format for the map reader.

Example: 1 cm = 25 m

Instead of 1:2500, you would give the desirable stated scale format. In this case, 1 cm = 25 m, meaning 1 centimeter on the map is 25 meters in real life.

Stated scales is a textual way to show how much distance of represented for a unit. It’s main advantage is how you can bring out a ruler and find distances with ease.

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