What is implied about units of distance on a map when no character mark is present?

When a map does not have a specific character mark indicating the units of distance, it is understood that the scale unit is implicitly applied to all distances shown on the map. This means that any measurement taken from the map should be interpreted with that implied unit of measure, typically either in feet or meters, depending on the context of the map type.

Maps are designed to convey information clearly, and part of that clarity comes from consistent use of units. While some maps may have a legend specifying the unit, the absence of a character mark signifies that users should rely on the common conventions for that type of map. Thus, if a user measures distances on the map, they will interpret those distances within the framework of the implied scale. This allows for a standard way to analyze distances without confusion or assumption about different units.

For maps where the scale unit is explicitly specified in the legend, the absence of specific markings can lead to ambiguity, hence understanding that the map implies the same unit throughout is essential for accurate distance interpretation.