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Representative Fraction Scales

Definition

A representative fraction scale (RF) is a type of scale used in maps that expresses the ratio of distance on the map to distance in the real world. It's usually written as a fraction or ratio, like 1:100,000, which means one unit on the map equals 100,000 units in reality.

Analogy

Think of an RF scale like a miniaturized version of your favorite city. If you have a model city where 1 inch represents 1 mile in the actual city, then you're using an RF scale. Just like how dollhouses are scaled-down versions of real houses, an RF scale is a scaled-down version of real-world distances.

Related terms

Scale Bar: This is another way to represent scale on maps. Instead of using fractions or ratios, it uses a graphic that shows what certain distances on the map equate to in reality.

Large Scale Map: This refers to maps where features are shown at a larger size. The term can be misleading because large-scale maps actually show smaller areas in greater detail - think zooming into your neighborhood on Google Maps!

Small Scale Map: Conversely, small-scale maps show larger areas with less detail - like viewing an entire country or continent at once.