Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What does "scale" refer to in the context of cartography?

1. The size of a map relative to actual geographical dimensions

2. The ratio of a unit's size on a map to its size on Earth

3. The degree of detail available on a map

4. The general trend of population density

The correct answer is: The ratio of a unit's size on a map to its size on Earth

In the context of cartography, "scale" specifically refers to the ratio of a unit's size on a map to its size on Earth. This concept allows map users to understand the relationship between the distances measured on the map and the corresponding distances in the real world. For instance, if a map scale indicates that 1 inch on the map represents 100 miles on the ground, it provides a clear framework for interpreting distances and dimensions. This ratio can take various forms, such as a verbal scale (e.g., “1 inch equals 100 miles”), a graphic scale (a line marked with distances), or a fractional scale (like 1:100,000), allowing for flexibility in how maps convey spatial information across different contexts. The other options pertain to different aspects of maps: the size of a map relative to actual geographical dimensions discusses map size but does not address the ratio aspect; the degree of detail focuses on how much information is displayed rather than the relationship of size; and the general trend of population density relates to demographic data rather than map scale itself.