What is the vertical exaggeration if a cross-section has a horizontal scale of 1:24,000 and a vertical scale of 1 inch equals 1000 feet?

To determine the vertical exaggeration, we need to compare the horizontal scale and the vertical scale of the cross-section.

The horizontal scale of 1:24,000 means that 1 unit on the map represents 24,000 of the same units in reality. For example, 1 inch on the map corresponds to 24,000 inches in the real world.

On the other hand, the vertical scale indicates that 1 inch equals 1,000 feet. To work with consistent units, we can convert the vertical measurement into inches. Since there are 12 inches in a foot, 1,000 feet equals 12,000 inches. Therefore, one inch on the vertical scale represents 12,000 inches in reality.

Now we can calculate the vertical exaggeration. This is done by taking the horizontal distance represented by 1 inch on the horizontal scale (24,000 inches) and dividing it by the horizontal distance represented by 1 inch on the vertical scale (12,000 inches).

So, vertical exaggeration = Horizontal Distance/ Vertical Distance = 24,000 inches / 12,000 inches = 2.

This means that the vertical scale is exaggerated compared to the horizontal scale by a factor of 2,