ORIGINAL: mufan
Do topo maps measure "as a crow flies" or do they take into account the changing elevations when calculating distance. If it is as a crow flies then the mileage listed on the scale is most likely always shorter than it actually is if in a mountainous region, correct?
Yes, they are measured as the crow flies or in aerial miles. If you have to go up and down that is going to add to the distance you have to travel.