A map scale shows that 1 cm represents 5 km. If two cities are 14 cm apart on the map, what is the actual distance between them in kilometers?

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:13:49 +0000

**How A Map Scale Shapes Our Understanding of Distance—And Why City Distances Matter** Have you ever stared at a map paper—whether in a travel guide, classroom, or digital app—and wondered how those symbols relate to real-world travel? One key tool is the **map scale**, a quiet but powerful way to translate flat representations into meaningful distances. Take the common scale: 1 cm equals 5 km. If two cities span 14 cm across the map, it’s not guesswork—the math is precise, and the result shapes how we plan trips, estimate travel times, and interpret regional relationships. With growing interest in travel planning, geographic literacy, and location-based apps, this simple scale has quietly become part of everyday decision-making for U.S. users. From school lessons to commute planning, understanding this ratio helps people navigate both physical landscapes and digital tools with confidence. ### Why 1 cm = 5 km—A Scale Built for Clarity