Which map scale indicates a small scale map: 1:100 or 1:250000?

A map scale indicates the relationship between a distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the ground. A small scale map refers to a map that covers a large area with less detail, typically because it uses a smaller representative fraction.

In this context, a scale of 1:250,000 means that 1 unit of measurement on the map represents 250,000 of the same units in reality. This indicates a broader view, making it a small scale map. Conversely, a scale of 1:100 represents a much more detailed view since 1 unit on the map corresponds to only 100 units on the ground. Therefore, it reflects a larger scale since it covers a smaller area with greater detail.

Understanding this terminology is vital in GIS as it has implications for how data is visualized and interpreted based on the scale used for mapping. This differentiation helps in selecting the appropriate scale depending on the analytical needs or the geographic features being considered.