Question

you are using a map that shows a cartographic scale of 1:5000. what does this scale mean?
○ one unit on the ground represents 5,000 units on the map
○ the total area covered by the map is 1 unit by 5,000 units
○ the geographic scale of analysis will fall within 5,000 units
○ one unit on the map represents 5,000 units on the ground
○ the distance on the ground and the distance on the map are equal.

Explanation:

A cartographic scale of \(1:5000\) means that 1 unit of measurement (like centimeter, inch) on the map corresponds to 5000 of the same units on the actual ground. Let's analyze each option:

• "One unit on the ground represents 5,000 units on the map" is incorrect as it reverses the map - ground relationship.
• "The total area covered by the map is 1 unit by 5,000 units" is wrong because the scale is about linear measurement (distance), not area dimensions.
• "The geographic scale of analysis will fall within 5,000 units" is not related to the definition of a cartographic scale.
• "One unit on the map represents 5,000 units on the ground" is the correct interpretation of the \(1:5000\) scale.
• "The distance on the ground and the distance on the map are equal" is incorrect as the scale shows a proportional relationship where map distance is much smaller than ground distance.

Answer:

D. One unit on the map represents 5,000 units on the ground.