Alleinmaßstab

Alleinmaßstab is a German term that translates to "sole scale" or "exclusive scale." It is primarily used in the context of cartography and technical drawing to indicate that a single, specific scale is applied to the entire representation. This means that all features and distances depicted on the map or drawing are in proportion to each other according to that single stated scale.

The use of Alleinmaßstab avoids confusion that might arise from using multiple scales within the same document. For example, a map might have a main map at a certain scale, with inset maps or details shown at different scales. In such cases, each individual representation would have its own scale indicated, and the Alleinmaßstab would not apply to the document as a whole, but rather to each distinct part.

In practice, when Alleinmaßstab is specified, it is crucial that the indicated scale is accurate and consistently applied. Deviations from this single scale would render the representation misleading and unusable for its intended purpose, whether it be for navigation, measurement, or design. The concept emphasizes uniformity in scale representation, ensuring that measurements taken from the drawing or map correspond directly to real-world dimensions according to the single, declared ratio. This principle is fundamental for the integrity and utility of scaled graphical representations.