Scales & Maps - Area Scale
Area scale in maps shows how the size of an area on the map corresponds to its actual size in real life. Unlike map scale, which compares lengths, area scale compares two-dimensional spaces, helping us estimate the true size of regions, plots, or countries accurately.
Related Lessons:
Area Scale
In this video, we will learn how to convert between map scale and area scale, and vice versa. A key point is that the map value on the left must always be 1; otherwise, students may face issues with conversions, as some results could become decimals.
Area Scale Example 1
A map of a region is drawn to a scale of 1:25 000
- Calculate the actual distance, in km, represented by 30cm on the map
- On the map, a lake has an area of 24\(cm^2\). Calculate in \(km^2\), the actual area of the lake
Area Scale Example 2
A length of 2cm on a map represents an actual distance of 1km. Calculate
- the actual distance, in kilometre, represented by 7.6cm on the map
- the area on the map, in square centimetres, which represents an actual area of 6\(km^2\)
Area Scale Example 3
The plan of a school is drawn to a scale of 1:500
- The actual length of the inner lane of the running track is 200m. Calculate the length of the inner lane of the running track in the plan, giving your answer in centimetres
- The area of the garden is represented by an area of 24\(cm^2\) on the plan. Calculate the actual area of the garden, giving your answers in square metres.