What is characteristic of a large scale map?

A large scale map is characterized by its coverage of smaller areas. This means that the map presents a more detailed view of a specific location compared to a small scale map, which covers larger areas but with less detail. The scale of a map refers to the ratio of distance on the map to actual distance on the ground. As the scale increases (which is the case for large scale maps), the level of detail rises, allowing for intricate features such as streets, buildings, and individual trees to be depicted. This precision is particularly useful for urban planning, landscape architecture, or when navigating through complex areas.

While it's true that large scale maps can be easier to read due to the detail they offer, the primary distinguishing feature is the focus on smaller geographic areas. Detailed topography is typically represented effectively on large scale maps, but it is not a defining characteristic of all such maps. Additionally, large scale maps often contain more, not less, information, contrary to what the misunderstood option suggests. Therefore, the defining trait of large scale maps is their coverage of smaller areas, which allows for more detailed representation of spatial information.