Call numbers for map series: scale symbols

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:

Scale

Scale symbol

1:80

1:800

1:7,850

1:50,750

1:150,000,000

s008

s08

s7

s50

s150000

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:

Scale	Scale symbol
Scale not given.	s000

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.

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:

Scale	Scale symbol
Scales differ	svar

Policies

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