Map scale refers to the relationship between a distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. It helps users understand how much area is represented and how to interpret distances accurately. For example, a scale of 1:100,000 means that 1 unit on the map equals 100,000 of the same units in reality. There are different types of map scales, including graphic scales, verbal scales, and fractional scales. A graphic scale is a visual bar that shows distances, while a verbal scale uses words to describe the relationship. Understanding map scale is essential for navigation and geography, especially when using tools like GPS or topographic maps.