Using Map Scales to Figure Distances and Areas
Students use map scales to determine map distances and areas,Copyright 2005 Adventure Engineering, Colorado School of Mines
Continuing the Asteroid Impact challenge, students learn how to determine map distances and areas using map scales. They get a feel for how much an area represents on a map in relation to the sizes they are suggesting for their underground caverns to shelter the Alabraska population.
Many types of engineers—civil, geological, petroleum, environmental—must fully understand maps, map reading and map creation to assist in the research and planning of engineering design solutions, such as designing roadways and tunnels, drilling for water or fossil fuels, creating dams, and tracking air pollution.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Use a map scale to determine distances between cities on a map and the size of areas on a map.
- Compare map areas determined in this activity to areas from a previous activity.
- Relate map areas and lengths to a real-world situation.