What term describes a quantity that can be described by magnitude only and has no direction?

The term that describes a quantity characterized solely by its magnitude and lacking any associated direction is known as a scalar quantity. Scalars are fundamental in various fields, including physics and engineering, where they represent measurements like temperature, mass, volume, and speed without involving directional components.

For example, when you say an object has a mass of 5 kilograms, the statement provides a clear measure of quantity without indicating any direction in space. This contrasts sharply with vector quantities, which are defined by both magnitude and direction, such as velocity or force.

Specific gravity compares the density of a substance to the density of water and involves a ratio but does not define a pure magnitude without direction. A planimetric map is a representation of the Earth's surface that shows horizontal positions of features without elevation data, which does not pertain to the concept of magnitude only.

Thus, understanding the fundamental difference between scalar and vector quantities is crucial for interpreting physical phenomena accurately and applying mathematical principles correctly in the field of surveying and beyond.