1. Verbal scale: This type of scale uses words to describe the relationship between distances on the map and the actual distances on the ground. For example, a verbal scale might state that one inch on the map represents one mile in reality.
2. Graphic scale: A graphic scale uses a line or bar marked with distances that correspond to actual distances on the ground. This allows users to measure distances on the map using a ruler or other measuring tool.
3. Representative fraction (RF) scale: Also known as a ratio scale, this type of scale expresses the relationship between distances on the map and the actual distances on the ground as a fraction or ratio. For example, a representative fraction scale of 1:24,000 means that one unit of measurement on the map represents 24,000 units of measurement in reality.
4. Linear scale: A linear scale is a type of graphic scale that uses a straight line marked with distances to represent the relationship between distances on the map and the actual distances on the ground. This type of scale is commonly used on road maps and navigation charts.
5. Bar scale: A bar scale is a type of graphic scale that uses a bar or line marked with distances to represent the relationship between distances on the map and the actual distances on the ground. This type of scale is often found on topographic maps and engineering drawings.