What scale is advisable to use if you are unsure of potential map resizing?

Using a bar scale is advisable when you might need to resize a map because it provides a visual representation of distance that automatically adjusts with the map’s dimensions. As the map is resized, the bar scale remains proportionate, allowing users to accurately interpret distances regardless of the scale change. This adaptability is essential in ensuring consistent usability across various applications or presentations of the map.

In contrast, other scale types may not offer this flexibility. A representational fraction scale, while useful for understanding the ratio between the map and reality, does not visually adjust when the map is resized and may lead to misinterpretation if the scale is altered. A verbal scale provides a description of scale in words, which can be unclear when resizing occurs and does not visually change. Similarly, a decimal scale presents data in a numerical format that could become misleading if the map size changes without a corresponding change in the scale itself. All these alternatives lack the intuitive, adjustable aspect of a bar scale, making the latter the superior choice in situations with uncertain resizing.