Question

a small-scale map of the southeastern united states shows that 25% of all residents in this region attend a southern baptist church. however, when looking at this region using a large-scale map, hickory, nc, has a large percentage of residents who attend lutheran churches. based on this example what is the importance of map scales?

map scales determine the scope at which a geographic study is undertaken.

map scales determine the research that will be undertaken by geographers in any given study.

map scales determine the total population of a given area in a small-scale geographic study

map scales indicate the type of map that was created

map scales determine the amount of detail provided

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: The example shows that small - scale (broader scope, regional) and large - scale (narrower scope, local - Hickory, NC) maps give different levels of detail about religious attendance. Map scales determine the scope (regional vs. local) of a geographic study.
• Option 2: Map scales don't determine the research topic (e.g., religious attendance research isn't determined by scale), so this is wrong.
• Option 3: Map scales don't determine total population; they relate to the area's representation, so this is wrong.
• Option 4: Map scales don't indicate the type of map (e.g., thematic, topographic), so this is wrong.
• Option 5: While scale relates to detail, the key here is the scope of the study (regional vs. local) as seen in the example (regional religious trend vs. local religious trend), so Option 1 is more accurate.

Answer:

A. Map scales determine the scope at which a geographic study is undertaken