why do cities seem so small?

[Treetop64]

Originally Posted by SaQSoN

All maps are 1:1 scale.

This is incorrect.

Take the L'viv map, for instance. Indeed, the grid overlay is 1:1 scale (10km square equals 10km, etc.), but underneath the grid the actual map itself is about 85% scale. This results in the cities and towns on the map being 15% smaller and closer together than they would be if they were 100% scale.

For example, in the game's map, when measured at the same latitude the centers of L'viv and Krosno are about 140km apart, whereas when measured from the same points on a real chart they are about 163km apart.

Other maps in the game similarly are at reduced scales, and some are quite obviously way below scale, the Libya-Crete map being a example of this, with a much-reduced and out-of-place Sicily being added as well.