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A ruled bar in alternating blocks, showing ground distance on a map.
Also known as: Graphic scale, Ruler on a map, Black and white bar map
A scale bar states how far a distance on the map is on the ground. Unlike a written ratio it stays correct when the map is photocopied at a different size, which is why it survives on maps that also state a ratio.
States the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground, as a marked bar the reader measures against.
Contexts: Navigation, Maps
Remains correct when the map is enlarged or reduced, which a written ratio does not — the reason maps carry both.
Contexts: Navigation, Maps
Is drawn in alternating filled and open blocks so a distance can be counted off by eye without measuring each division.
Contexts: Navigation, Maps
A long horizontal bar divided into equal segments filled alternately black and white, with distance figures written beneath the division marks.