CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What does a representative fraction on a large scale map indicate?

1. A greater detail of a smaller area

2. Representation of a larger area with fewer details

3. A relation of 1:10,000 or larger

4. Only numerical data representation

The correct answer is: A greater detail of a smaller area

A representative fraction on a large scale map signifies a greater detail of a smaller area. A larger scale indicates that the map encompasses a smaller geographic area but shows it in greater detail. For instance, a representative fraction of 1:1,000 suggests that one unit of measurement on the map (such as an inch or centimeter) corresponds to 1,000 of the same units on the ground. This scale allows for more precise representations of features, distances, and elevations within that limited area, which is particularly useful in applications such as construction and urban planning. In contrast, a smaller scale map shows a larger area with less detail, which is where the other options lose relevance. A representative fraction of 1:10,000 or larger suggests a diminishing level of detail, and the notion of only numerical data representation does not capture the essential aspect of spatial relationships and features depicted on such maps.