-------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Scale statement in cataloging maps Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2004 14:35:51 -0600 From: Ken Rockwell <[log in to unmask]> ------------------ -------- Original Message -------- >When a map is not drawn to scale, for example, a pictorial map, the 255 field says "Scale not given." and then a 500 note can quote a statement on the map or simply say "Map not drawn to scale." Is that correct? And, saying in the 255 field "Map not drawn to scale" is not correct. >Is that correct?? A: In 255, say "Not drawn to scale" for those like pictorial maps that weren't attempting to portray the map strictly by a uniform scale. Say "Scale not given" when it's evidently of a regular, but unknown, scale. >Also, do we in the US say "Scales differ" or do we only say "Scales vary?" A: "Scales differ" is the proper wording for items with 3 or more different scales. "Scales vary" is an old habit that keeps on living by imitation of old records dating from when a standard wording hadn't been established. Let's finally put it to rest. "Scale varies" is used for single maps that change their scale at a continuous ratio. Some such maps state that their scale is 1:x at the center and 1:y at the margin, in which case one gives the range of scales, e.g., "Scale 1:x-1:y." When the map scale is of this type but not stated, that's when "Scale varies" is used--but never "Scales vary" unless an item has more than two of these maps. I hope this is clear... --Ken Rockwell