How to determine the scale

[Ramesh Karra]

Hi,

I have a map file with extent "74.3605 24.2590 79.5400 20.5070". I have a
layer(with data in a shape file) with very few points

75.23478 23.40182
75.78261 21.90126
76.37162 22.90461
77.32890 20.88712

The mapserver shows these points correctly. But it does not have correct
idea about the distance between the points. How do I indicate the
mapserver that these are latitude and longitudes and the distances should
be calculated correctly? Do I need to use scale? or some other projection?

I really appreciate any help in this regard.

Thanks,
Ramesh