Length of a Line

Navigation

For the topographic map contest, you will be given a 7.5 minute series topographic map with a line drawn on it between two points on the map as shown in Photo 1 below.

Point A to B

Photo 1

Lay a ruler down on the map parallel to the line (see Photo 2). Position the zero-end of the ruler at Point A and measure the length of the line in inches from Point A to Point B.

In this example, the line from Point A to Point B measures 4 inches in length. Located at the bottom of the topographic map is a scale similar to the scale in Photo 3.

Ruler on Map

Photo 2

The scale of a 7.5 minute series map is 1 inch equals 24,000 inches or 2,000 feet.  If the line measures 4 inches in length, it represents a distance of 8,000 feet on the ground; 4 inches x 2000 ft./in. = 8,000 ft.

Scale

Photo 3

Continue reading how to determine a bearing.
Personal tools
Powered by Plone CMS, the Open Source Content Management System

This site conforms to the following standards:

Forestry Invitational Logo

As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National 4-H Forestry Invitational prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. The Invitational encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Persons with disabilities anticipating needing any type of alternative accommodations or for questions about physical access provided, please contact Dave Jackson, Invitational Chair, via email at drj11@psu.edu or by phone at 814-355-4897.

Property of the National 4-H Forestry Invitational Committee.
All Rights Reserved. 2009.