geographic scale

USAGE SUMMARY

"geographic scale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the proportion or extent of an area or region, often referring to maps. For example, "The satellite imagery captures a very detailed geographic scale, providing a snapshot of the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The geographic scale of the Central African slave trade was enormous.

Britannica

By any measure of geographic scale or natural resources, Britain is no match for Russia.

The New York Times

Dr. Kaufman's study confirmed the beetles' amazing diversity, even on a small geographic scale.

The New York Times

China has roughly America's geographic scale and layout, with a dry and mountainous interior.

The New York Times - Books

Finally, a comparison between the results of different geographic scale cases is carried out.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

(2009) in the pre-sunrise hours on a wider geographic scale.

Atmospheric Environment

Finally, in the coral reefs of Palau, I search for more populations of resilient coral across a broader geographic scale.

Stanford University

Beneath each map are bar charts displaying the results for every question at whichever geographic scale is currently selected.

Yale University

They believe that this is the first observation of a cultural change transmitted repeatedly on such a large geographic scale.

The New York Times - Science

Space, especially the contraction of space, remains fundamental to air travel, from the hideously cramped quarters of aircraft to the fantastically broader geographic scale now within our grasp.

The New York Times - Arts

Risks from climate change are often better assessed at a small geographic scale, said Kate Gordon, executive director of the Risky Business project.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of environmental phenomena, use "geographic scale" to specify the area affected, like: "The impact of deforestation varies depending on the "geographic scale"".

Common error

Avoid using "geographic scale" when you actually mean the scope of a study or project. "Scale" refers to measurement ratios on a map, while "scope" refers to the extent or range of what is being studied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "geographic scale" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to define the spatial extent or proportion of a geographic area. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in setting the context for discussions about spatial phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "geographic scale" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term across various disciplines, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to define the spatial extent or proportion of a geographic area, aiding in contextual understanding within scientific research, news reporting, and academic discussions. While alternatives such as "spatial extent" and "regional scope" exist, "geographic scale" maintains its precision and relevance in formal contexts. Given its prevalent use and diverse application, mastering its correct usage ensures clarity and accuracy in communicating spatial information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spatial extent

Focuses on the area covered rather than the measurement system.

regional scope

Emphasizes the regional aspect of the area being considered.

territorial dimension

Highlights the territorial or land-based aspect.

area coverage

Focuses on the amount of area that is covered.

geographic reach

Highlights how far something extends geographically.

spatial dimensions

Highlights multiple measurements of geographic area.

mapping scale

Refers specifically to the scale used in cartography.

extent of area

Emphasizes the overall spread of an area.

geographic spread

Focuses on how something is distributed across an area.

physical range

Stresses the physical boundaries of an area.

FAQs

How can I use "geographic scale" in a sentence?

You can use "geographic scale" to describe the extent or proportion of an area, for example: "The study examined the impact of climate change at a regional "geographic scale"".

What are some alternatives to "geographic scale"?

You can use alternatives such as "spatial extent", "regional scope", or "territorial dimension" depending on the specific context you are referring to.

How does "geographic scale" differ from "spatial scale"?

"Geographic scale" specifically relates to the area on the Earth's surface, whereas "spatial scale" is a more general term that can apply to any spatial dimension, including abstract or non-geographic spaces.

Why is understanding "geographic scale" important in research?

Understanding the "geographic scale" is crucial because phenomena behave differently at different scales. A process impactful at a local scale might be insignificant at a global scale, and vice versa.