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When you display maps based on latitude, longitude coordinates extending over a large region, they might appear somewhat distorted. This occurs because one degree of latitude is not equivalent to one degree of longitude. For example, consider a base map of the state of California (CA.GSB).

To determine the scaling factors:

1. Determine the latitude for the parallel through the center of the map, and obtain the cosine for this latitude value. The center parallel in CA.GSB is approximately 37.27 degrees. The cosine of 37.27 is 0.80.

2. Double clcik on the map to open the map properties.

3. Go to the Scale tab and set the X scale for the map. You can set either the Length value or the Map units value. The X Scale in Map units is 1.72 in this example.

4. Uncheck the Proportional XY Scaling check box.

5. Multiply the X Scale Map units value by the cosine of the latitude, and enter this number into the Y Scale Map units field. 1.72 (X Scale Map units) x 0.80 (cosine of latitude) = 1.38 (Y Scale Map units)

6. Click OK and the map is drawn with the new scaling.