skalaene

Skalaene is a term that can refer to several related concepts in different disciplines, all based on the idea of a graduated sequence, size, or representation. In Norwegian usage it covers musical scales, scales in measurement and mapping, rating scales in data, and biological scales.

In music, a scale is an ordered series of pitches within an octave. The most common Western scales are the major and minor scales, each defined by a specific pattern of whole and half steps. Scales establish a tonal center, guide melody and harmony, and inform tuning systems. Beyond Western tradition, pentatonic, blues, and modal scales are also used.

In cartography and modeling, a scale expresses the ratio between distances on a representation and real-world distances, enabling proportionate drawing and analysis. In statistics and social science, scales describe data measurement levels, typically nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio, which determine permissible mathematical operations.

In biology, scales are small, flat, plate-like structures that form a protective outer covering on many fishes and reptiles. They vary in composition and arrangement and can reduce friction and provide camouflage or protection.

In geometry and engineering, a scale factor multiplies dimensions to enlarge or reduce a figure while preserving shape. Scales are also used in prototyping and architecture when creating models at smaller or larger sizes compared with the target object.