Definitions for "Map scale"
The extent of reduction needed to display a representation of the Earth's surface on a map. A statement of a measure on the map and the equivalent measure on the Earth's surface, often expressed as an representative fraction of distance, such as 1:24,000 (one unit in the map equals 24,000 units on the ground).
The relationship between distances on a map and the corresponding distances on the earth's surface expressed as a fraction (constant for a given map).
(3) A rate that compares the distance between two locations on a map with the actual distance between them. The rate is often represented by a labeled line segment, similar to a ruler.
Keywords:  actual, relationship, size, place
The relationship between the actual size of a place and its size as shown on a map.