Scale symbols in call numbers for map series

Summary: This page describes the symbols used to indicate scale when creating call numbers for map series.

The following is adapted from the Cartographic Resources Manual in Cataloger’s Desktop:

Scale symbol

• For map series/sets the classification number includes an indication of scale instead of the date of situation.

• The scale symbol is derived by dropping the last three digits from the denominator of the representative fraction.

• An s precedes the scale indicator to distinguish it from a date in a classification number.

  • There is no rounding of the numbers.

  • The scale symbol is transcribed in the classification number without commas, regardless of the number of digits.

  • For map series/sets at scales larger than 1:1,000 the denominator of the fraction is treated as a decimal and is preceded by zero(s).

Examples:

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Scale not given, not drawn to scale, etc.

• For a map series/set composed of maps for which the scale is not expressed as, or based on, a representative fraction, described by phrases such as Scale not given, Not drawn to scale, or as having a non-linear scale, use the designation s000 as the scale value in the classification number.

• In arranging or resources by classification number this designation precedes all other scale indicators.

  • i.e., s000 is filed ahead of s125

Example:

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Two different scales

• For a set/series composed of maps drawn at two different scales, select the predominate scale that best characterizes the scope and content of the map set/series as the basis for determining the scale value for the classification number.
• However, if neither scale is clearly predominate, prefer the larger scale (i.e., the smaller number) as the basis for determining the scale value for the classification number.

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Many scales (more than two)

• For map series/sets composed of resources drawn at more than two scales (described in the catalog record by the phrase Scales differ), use svar as the scale value in the classification number.

• In arranging resources by classification number, svar follows all other scale indicators.

  • i.e., svar is filed after s125

Example:

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