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Convert Measured Map Distance to Ground Distance!

Determining and converting map distance to ground distance is actually fairly easy. The scale of the Topographical Map will tell you how much 1-map unit of measurement (inches, centimeters or even feet) is equivalent to an x-number of the same type unit’s of measurement on the ground. Example: If the scale of the map is 1:50,000 – then, 1-inch on the map would be equivalent to 50,000 inches on the ground or approximately 4,166 feet; 1,388 yards; 0.79 miles and etc.

As referenced above, each topographical map has Graphic (Bar) Scales that can be used to measure and convert map distances (straight line and road) to ground distance. The Graphic (Bar) Scales will normally give you a mixed conversion in both metric and non-metric measurements, but, sometimes only one or the other.

Critical to your Map Reading  and Land Navigation skill is an ability to be able to convert map-to-ground or ground-to-map distances. This may require the conversion of US-to-Metric or Metric-to-US data.