What characterizes a small-scale map?

A small-scale map is characterized by a scale that represents a large area with less detail. In the context of map reading, small-scale maps have a scale of 1:1,000,000 and smaller, which means that 1 unit on the map corresponds to 1,000,000 units in the real world. This type of map is useful for providing a broad overview of regions, such as the layout of an entire country or continent.

As the scale of a map decreases (or the denominator increases, such as moving to 1:1,000,000), the amount of detail that can be included in the map diminishes, resulting in less specific features and more generalized representations. Thus, these maps are often employed for larger geographic contexts and are particularly valuable for navigation over long distances.

Other options either indicate larger scales, which present more detail and are thus considered large-scale maps or describe scales that fall into different ranges. Small-scale maps serve a distinct purpose, making them essential tools for understanding extensive areas quickly without the need for intricate detail.