Geography GCSE
Scale
What Scale means in Geography GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Scale
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Scale in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Converting map distances to real-world distances using ratios, for example a 1:50,000 scale means 1 cm on the map is 0.5 km in reality.
The ratio of map distance to ground distance, such as 1:25,000 where 4 cm equals 1 km.
Topics that use Scale
- Cartographic skills (AQA GCSE)
- Numerical skills (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Accuracy
- Annotation
- Area
- Cartographic interpretation
- Cartographic skills
- Contour lines
- Contour patterns
- Control group
Using Scale in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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