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New Zealand Map Scales

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New Zealand Map Scales

New Zealand Map Scales

New Zealand map with scale

🗺️ Part 1: Understanding Map Scales

1. What is a map scale?

A tool for weighing maps

A way to show how distances on a map relate to real distances

The size of the paper the map is printed on

The colours used on a map

2. If a map scale shows "1 cm = 25 km", what does this mean?
3. Circle the correct mathematical operation you would use to find the actual distance:

Map distance + Scale factor

Map distance × Scale factor

Map distance - Scale factor

Map distance ÷ Scale factor

📏 Part 2: Calculating Distances Between New Zealand Cities

4. Using the scale 1 cm = 50 km, calculate the actual distances:

a) Auckland to Hamilton: Map distance = 2.5 cm

Calculation: _________________ = ___________ km

b) Wellington to Christchurch: Map distance = 6 cm

Calculation: _________________ = ___________ km

c) Christchurch to Dunedin: Map distance = 4.2 cm

Calculation: _________________ = ___________ km

5. If the actual distance between Rotorua and Taupo is 75 km, and the scale is 1 cm = 25 km, what would be the distance on the map?

Map distance = _________ cm

🎯 Part 3: Planning Your New Zealand Journey

6. Choose a journey you have taken or would like to take in New Zealand. Fill in the details:

Starting city: _________________________

Destination city: _________________________

One stop along the way: _________________________

7. Design your journey map in the space below. Use the scale: 1 square = 20 km
8. Calculate the distances for your journey:

Distance from start to stop: _________ squares × 20 km = _________ km

Distance from stop to destination: _________ squares × 20 km = _________ km

Total journey distance: _________ km

🤔 Part 4: Thinking About Scales

9. Why is it important to use scale correctly on maps? Tick all that apply:

To plan accurate travel times

To estimate fuel costs for journeys

To make maps look prettier

To help emergency services respond quickly

To plan hiking or walking routes safely

10. Match the map scales with their best use:
1. 1 cm = 1 km
2. 1 cm = 50 km
3. 1 cm = 500 km
A. Map of the whole world
B. Map of your local neighbourhood
C. Map of New Zealand
11. Explain in one sentence what you learned about map scales today:
12. Write one calculation you performed during this lesson:

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