What does a verbal scale represent?

A verbal scale represents a written description of distance in a map, allowing users to understand the relationship between map distance and actual ground distance. This form of scale typically uses language to convey how a certain distance on the map correlates to a specified distance in reality, such as stating that "1 inch equals 1 mile." This phrasing helps map users accurately interpret distances without needing to perform calculations or measurements.

A verbal scale is particularly user-friendly as it eliminates the need for conversion or interpretation of numbers, making it more accessible to a broader audience. While numerical data, graphical representations, or mathematical equations relate to distance in other ways, they do not encapsulate the straightforward, descriptive nature that a verbal scale provides, thereby making it a unique and effective tool for communicating distance on maps.