In
Euclidean geometry,
uniform scaling (or
isotropic scaling) is a
linear transformation that enlarges (increases) or shrinks (diminishes) objects by a
scale factor that is the same in all directions. The result of uniform scaling is
similar (in the geometric sense) to the original. A scale factor of 1 is normally allowed, so that congruent shapes are also classed as similar. Uniform scaling happens, for example, when enlarging or reducing a
photograph, or when creating a
scale model of a building, car, airplane, etc.