Length of a Line

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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.
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