**-L**\ [**g**\ \|\ **j**\ \|\ **J**\ \|\ **n**\ \|\ **x**]\ *refpoint*\ **+c**\ [*slon*/]\ *slat*\ **+w**\ *length*\ [**e**\ \|\ **f**\ \|\ **k**\ \|\ **M**\ \|\ **n**\ \|\ **u**]\ [\ **+a**\ *align*]\ [**+f**]\ [**+j**\ *justify*]\ [\ **+l**\ [*label*]\ ]\ [**+o**\ *dx*\ [/*dy*]]\ [**+u**][**+v**]
    Draws a simple map scale centered on the reference point specified
    using one of four coordinate systems:
    (1) Use **-Lg** for map (user) coordinates, (2) use **-Lj** or **-LJ** for setting *refpoint* via
    a 2-char justification code that refers to the (invisible) map domain rectangle,
    (3) use **-Ln** for normalized (0-1) coordinates, or (4) use **-Lx** for plot coordinates
    (inches, cm, etc.).  Scale is calculated for latitude *slat*
    (optionally supply longitude *slon* for oblique projections [Default
    is central meridian]), *length* is in km, or append unit from
    **e**\ \|\ **f**\ \|\ **k**\ \|\ **M**\ \|\ **n**\ \|\ **u**.
    Change the label alignment with **+a**\ *align* (choose among
    **l**\ (eft), **r**\ (ight), **t**\ (op), and **b**\ (ottom)).
    Append **+f** to get a "fancy" scale [Default is plain].
    By default, the anchor point on the map scale is assumed to be the center of the scale (MC), but this
    can be changed by appending **+j** followed by a 2-char justification code *justify*
    (see :doc:`text` for list and explanation of codes).
    Append **+l** to select the default label, which equals the distance
    unit (meter, foot, km, mile, nautical mile, US survey foot) and is
    justified on top of the scale [t]. Change this by giving your own
    label (append **+l**\ *label*).
    Add **+o** to offset the map scale by *dx*/*dy* away from the *refpoint* in
    the direction implied by *justify* (or the direction implied by **-Dj** or **-DJ**).
    Select **+u** to append the unit to all distance annotations along the
    scale (for the plain scale, **+u** will instead select the unit to be
    appended to the distance length). Cartesian projections: Origin **+c** is
    not required, **+f** is not allowed, and no units should be specified in **+w**.
    You must set any Cartesian data units via **+l**.
    For a vertical rather than horizontal Cartesian scale, append **+v**.
    Note: Use :ref:`FONT_LABEL <FONT_LABEL>` to change the label font and
    :ref:`FONT_ANNOT_PRIMARY <FONT_ANNOT_PRIMARY>`
    to change the annotation font.  The height of the map scale is controlled
    by :ref:`MAP_SCALE_HEIGHT <MAP_SCALE_HEIGHT>`, and the pen thickness is
    set by :ref:`MAP_TICK_PEN_PRIMARY <MAP_TICK_PEN_PRIMARY>`.
    See **-F** on how to place a panel behind the scale.
