The Scale types Can be classified in natural scale, reduction, enlargement, numerical, unit per unit and graph.
A scale is the mathematical relationship that exists between the dimensions represented in a drawing (either a map, a plane, a scheme, among others) and the actual dimensions of the drawn object.
From left to right: magnification scale, natural scale and reduction scale.
This type of scale is often called cartographic scale to differentiate it from other types (such as musical scales).
The scales in the planes are usually represented by two magnitudes separated by a colon (:), where the first represents the dimension in the plane and the second represents the real dimension. For example, a 1: 1000 scale means that every centimeter (1) in the drawing represents one thousand centimeters (1000) in real life.
In the area of cartography, there are two ways to classify scales:
According to the relationship between the represented object and the drawing of the object, there are three types of scale: the natural scale, the reduction scale and the scale of magnification.
According to the graphical form (the signs) used to express the relation between the represented object and the drawing of the latter, one can speak of numerical scales, unit scales per unit and graphic scales.
Types of scales according to the relationship between the actual object and its representation
1- Natural scale
The natural scale is one in which the dimensions represented in the drawing are equal to those of reality. Numerically, it is represented as 1: 1.
It is used with objects that are of small dimension, so that all the extension of these can be represented in the paper.
An example of the natural scale of a Krogan hammer (video game weapon Mass Effect) is shown in the previous drawing. This means that the size of the drawn object is the same as the actual object. Scale 1: 1.
2- Reduction scale
The scale of reduction is one in which the dimensions represented in the drawing are smaller than the dimensions of the real object. There are several reduction scales, and can be classified according to their use:
Those that are used for large mechanical parts (such as automobiles), for example 1: 5 (in which one centimeter of the drawing represents five centimeters of reality).
When used in apartment plans, houses and buildings, for example 1:50 (one centimeter in the plane is equal to 50 centimeters of reality) and 1: 100 (one centimeter in the plane is equal to one meter of reality ).
Those used in territory maps, for example 1: 100000 (in which every centimeter in the plane equals one kilometer), 1: 250000 (one centimeter is equal to two and a half kilometers), 1: 500000 That a centimeter in the plane represent five kilometers of the reality).
In these cases, the reduction is much greater than in the previous cases, because the surface represented is very extensive.
The presented image is a plane of the facade of a house, in which a scale of reduction has been used. Scale 1:25.
In the previous image, scales of reduction of territory are presented. From left to right: 1: 250000, 1: 100000, 1: 24000
3- Expansion scale
The scale of magnification is one in which the dimensions represented in the drawing are greater than those of the real object.
This type of scale is used when you want to display the details of the represented object, which must be small (for example, a smaller mechanical part such as a nut or a special screw).
The most common scaling scales are:
- 2: 1 (every two centimeters of the drawing represent one centimeter of reality).
- 5: 1 (five centimeters of the drawing represent one centimeter of reality).
- 10: 1 (every ten centimeters of the drawing represent one centimeter of reality).
- 20: 1 (twenty centimeters of the drawing represent one centimeter of reality).
- 50: 1 (fifty centimeters of the drawing represent one centimeter of reality).
- 100: 1 (one hundred centimeters of the drawing represents one centimeter of reality).
The image shows an enlarged representation of a screw. Scale 2: 1.
Types of scales according to how they are represented
1- Numeric scale
Scales are usually represented by two numbers separated by a colon (:), for example 1: 100. This type of representation is known as a numerical scale in which each of the numbers represents a magnitude expressed in centimeters.
This is the most common form of representation of scales in cartography.
The numerical scale is the most used in cartography. In this, the numbers represent centimeters. In the image, three examples of numerical scales are shown: 1:25, 1:12, 1: 6.
2- Scale unit per unit
Another way of representing scales is through the direct use of metric units. In this case, the units are separated by an equal (=), in which the first number represents the measure on the map while the second represents reality.
For example: 1 cm = 200 km.
In the unit-by-unit scale, the representation of the object-reality relation is done through metric units (centimeters, meters, kilometers), which are presented explicitly in the plane or map. In the image, a scale of 1/4"= 1'0"is shown.
3- Graphic scale
The last case of representation of scales is through the use of graphics. The graphic scales are included in the drawing and show the proportion of the drawing with respect to reality through measures that resemble those used in measuring instruments, such as rules.
Graphic scales use graphics (hence the name) to represent the relationship between the actual object and the drawn object.
An example of a graphic scale is shown in the image (see upper right corner).
References
- Scales (map). Retrieved on June 10, 2017, from wikipedia.org
- Cartographic scales. Retrieved on June 10, 2017, degeospace.edu.au
- Types of scales. Retrieved on June 10, 2017, from geographer-miller.com
- Map - Map scales. Retrieved on June 10, 2017, from britannica.org
- Mesuarement scales in cartography. Retrieved on June 10, 2017, from tandfonline.com
- Scale. Retrieved on June 10, 2017, from support.esri.com
- Scale. Retrieved on June 10, 2017, from infoplease.com
- Graphic scale. Retrieved on June 10, 2017, from muskingum.edu.