Zoom Level

Zoom level refers to the relationship between what you see in the map view and how it exists in the real world. It is the amount of geographic data that can be optimally displayed on a computer monitor. Developed by DeLorme, this concept is similar to the traditional fractional relationship expressed for the real world on paper maps (for example, 1:24,000, 1:100,000, 1:500,000, etc.).

In EarthaMapsä, zoom level is expressed in magnitudes (for example, 12). There are fourteen magnitudes (2 to 15). As you zoom in to higher zoom levels, you see less geographic area and more geographic detail.

Move the Zoom Bar tool down (to zoom in) and watch as state routes, land use/land cover, towns, lakes and rivers, geographic features, political boundaries, local roads, railroads, dams, power lines, trails and points of interest begin to appear on the map as you zoom in. You can continue zooming in to zoom level 15.