Use this cartographic calculation to convert, scale, or compare map, terrain, bearing, raster, or route quantities when the coordinate and unit conventions are explicitly known.

Horizontal Denominator

Required number input.

Vertical Denominator

Required number input.

Vertical-to-horizontal scale ratio from the horizontal and vertical 1:N denominators. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

Exaggeration Factor

The resulting exaggeration factor returned as a number.

• Map calculations depend on datum, projection, latitude, scale definition, magnetic-declination epoch, and whether distances are planar, rhumb-line, or geodesic. A compact formula cannot remove distortion or infer the missing reference system.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Confirm the map datum, projection, scale, and bearing convention before applying the result. Use geodesic or GIS software with current reference data when survey-grade or navigation-critical accuracy is required.

• Enlargement New Scale

  New 1:N scale denominator after enlarging a map by a linear factor greater than zero.

• Photo Scale Altitude Focal

  Approximate vertical aerial-photo scale denominator H/f when altitude above ground and focal length use the same units.

• Reduction New Scale

  New 1:N scale denominator after reducing a map by a linear factor in (0,1].