definition
The proportionate size relationship between an object and the surroundings in which it is placed
types
Absolute Scale - the absolute size of an object obtained by relating the size of the object to a definitely designated standard, (i.e., measurements).
Relative Scale - the relative size of objects, the apparent size relationship between landscape components and their surroundings.
subelements
Proportion of landscape setting (scale dominance) - the scale of an object relative to the visible expanse of the landscape which forms its setting.
Scale contrast - the scale of an object relative to other distance objects or areas in the landscape
Proportion of field-of-view - the scale of an object relative to the total field-of-view accepted by the human eye or camera.
variable effects
Distance - the apparent size of an object decreases with distance from the observer.
Spatial Enclosure - the size of the enclosing space inversely affects an object's relative scale - - small spaces make objects appear larger.
Viewing Angle - the apparent scale of an object in the landscape is affected by the observer's angle of view in two ways: (1) perspective foreshortening reduces the apparent size of surfaces of areas or objects, when seen obliquely or at low viewing angles. (2) by increasing an object's elevation in relation to the observer's position, the objects's relative scale tends to increase.
Atmospheric Conditions - increased haziness may increase the apparent scale of the landscape's space by obscuring its boundaries.