构成地图的基本内容，叫做地图要素。它包括数学要素、地理要素和整饰要素（亦称辅助要素），所以又通称地图“三要素”。
        （l）数学要素，指构成地图的数学基础。例如地图投影、比例尺、控制点、坐标网、高程系、地图分幅等。这些内容是决定地图图幅范围、位置，以及控制其它内容的基础。它保证地图的精确性，作为在图上量取点位、高程、长度、面积的可靠依据，在大范围内保证多幅图的拼接使用。数学要素，对军事和经济建设都是不可缺少的内容。
        （2）地理要素，是指地图上表示的具有地理位置、分布特点的自然现象和社会现象。因此，又可分为自然要素（如水文、地貌、土质、植被）和社会经济要素（如居民地、交通线、行政境界等）。
        （3）整饰要素，主要指便于读图和用图的某些内容。例如：图名、图号、图例和地图资料说明，以及图内各种文字、数字注记等。

地图比例尺

        地球表面的面积很大，要把它绘在平面图纸上，就必须予以缩小。缩小时，又必须使地图上的长度与相应实地的距离保持一定的比例关系，并以这种比例关系作为两者之间的量算尺度，这个尺度就叫地图比例尺。按照这一道理，就可以给地图比例尺下个定义：图上某线段的长度与相应实地水平距离之比，即地图比例尺。若列成公式表示，则为：地图比例尺=图上长度/相应实地水平距离。

Constitute the basic content of the map called Map of the elements. It includes elements of mathematics, geography elements and finishing elements (also known as auxiliary elements), the map also known as the "three elements."
         (L) the mathematical elements that constitute the mathematical basis of the map. Such as map projection, scale, control point, coordinates network, elevation line, maps, and other sub-sites. These maps is to determine the scope of the map, location, and control the basis of other content. It guarantees the accuracy of the map, as a check in the amount of map points, elevation, length, area and reliable basis, in the framework of a number of plans to ensure that the use of splicing. Mathematical elements of the military and economic development are indispensable elements.
         (2) the geographical elements that refer to the map with the location, distribution of natural phenomena and social phenomena. Therefore, can be divided into natural elements (such as hydrology, topography, soil, vegetation) and socio-economic factors (such as residents, the lines of communication, administrative state, etc.).
         (3) finishing elements, mainly referring to read and used to facilitate some elements of Fig. For example: plan name, plan number, and map legend information, and map the various text, figures, etc. Notes.

Map scale

         A very large area of the earth's surface, it is necessary to draw it on paper in the plan, it must be narrowed. Reduce the time and the need to map the length of the field with the corresponding ratio to maintain a certain distance relationship and the relationship between this ratio as a balance between the amount of scale, this scale is called map scale. According to this reasoning, we can scale to define the map: map of the length of a line segment with the corresponding ratio of horizontal distance from the field, that is, the map scale. If列成formula that is: map scale = map length / horizontal distance from the corresponding field.