Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional Certification Practice Exam

A large scale map provides the most detail about a city because it covers a smaller geographic area while showing more features and finer details within that area. The scale of the map refers to the ratio of distance on the map to distance on the ground; thus, a large scale map typically illustrates features like streets, buildings, parks, and other elements in greater detail.

In contrast, a small scale map covers a larger area but sacrifices detail for a broader overview. A thematic map, on the other hand, focuses on specific themes or subjects, such as population density or land use, which may provide valuable information, but not necessarily detailed geographic features of the city itself. Therefore, when looking for intricate and comprehensive details about urban areas, a large scale map is the most suitable choice.