Incorrect Scale

Question

I'm using ArcGis 10.8 to create maps for permits with CALFIRE. The Archaeology map I create has to be at 1:24,000 or 1 inch = 2000 or they are not happy with the map. Recently a map was returned because they said that while the scale showed it was at 1 inch = 2000, the map definitely wasn't, (apparently they measure). I have not changed any of my settings when creating this map and don't know what the issue is. Help!

CBallntyne · Answer

Jeff,

The 1 inch = 2000 I insert into my maps is inserted using 10.8 insert scale text. The interesting part to me is maps that I've made for past projects have been accurate in regards to scale and in fact as a work around, I used a past map of a neighbor's property and inserted my features. The scale again was done at 1 inch = 2000 using the insert scale function, however this map looks accurate and when I have the two maps open on adjacent monitors you can see that the first one is not correct.  I have no idea what I'm doing differently on the first map that is incorrect.

JeffHouser · Answer

Hello,

Please refer to suggestions by CherylCollins regarding margins.

Your observed issue, not sure if it's just this specfic map, or actually it's been an issue for a while in your maps and finally someone noticed the discrepancy.  Is your noted 1" inch = 2000' text, just plain text, or is it text that is dynamic to the relative scale (for e.g. 1:24000).  Just a couple of things to consider, in addition to  CherylCollins replies

Jeff.

CBallntyne · Answer

Thanks for your reply. I have saved this map as a PDF and turned it into
CALFIRE for a permit. They questioned the scale of it (it was 1:2000)
according to arcgis. In looking at it and measuring section l ines I agree
that it does not look like 1:2000. At 1:2000 a section line should be about
2.64 inches apart where my map was about 3.5 inches apart. I have no idea
why this is incorrect, therefore have no idea how to fix it. Any help you
can provide would be greatly appreciated.