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 compare the scales of the horizontal and vertical dimensions. The horizontal scale of 1:24,000 means that one unit on the map represents 24,000 of the same units in reality. This can be expressed in feet, where 1 inch on the map actually represents a distance of 2,000 feet since there are 12 inches in a foot (24,000 feet / 12 inches = 2,000 feet per inch).

For the vertical scale, given that 1 inch equals 1,000 feet, we find that for each inch on the cross-section, the real-world elevation change is just 1,000 feet.

Now, to find the vertical exaggeration, you take the horizontal distance represented by one inch (2,000 feet) and divide it by the vertical distance represented by one inch (1,000 feet):

Vertical Exaggeration = Horizontal Distance Scale / Vertical Distance Scale

= 2,000 feet / 1,000 feet = 2.

This means the vertical scale is exaggerated by a factor of 2 compared to the horizontal scale. Therefore, the vertical exaggeration is correctly calculated as 2x.