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Map Projection Questions

The document discusses different types of map projections and their distortions. A globe is the only accurate representation of the earth's surface, while all flat maps contain some distortion, such as size, distance, shape, or direction. The Mercator projection exaggerates areas like Greenland and the Arctic, while the equal area projection distorts shapes. Countries may reject certain maps that do not portray their size accurately for political reasons. Different projections are more useful depending on whether accurate shape or accurate area is required. Flat maps are commonly used despite distortions because they allow for more detail and ease of reference compared to a globe.

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1K views

Map Projection Questions

The document discusses different types of map projections and their distortions. A globe is the only accurate representation of the earth's surface, while all flat maps contain some distortion, such as size, distance, shape, or direction. The Mercator projection exaggerates areas like Greenland and the Arctic, while the equal area projection distorts shapes. Countries may reject certain maps that do not portray their size accurately for political reasons. Different projections are more useful depending on whether accurate shape or accurate area is required. Flat maps are commonly used despite distortions because they allow for more detail and ease of reference compared to a globe.

Uploaded by

P SCRIBD D scribd
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Map Projections: Questions

Read pages 18-21 of the beige text to answer the following:


1. Why is a globe the only accurate representation of the earth’s surface?

A globe is the only accurate representation because it is mathematically


impossible to translate a globe into a flat surface without some form of
distortion.

2. What are four distortions found on flat world maps?


● Size
● Distance
● Shape
● Direction

Consider the four map projections presented in the file “4 projections”


3. Looking at Greenland and Canada’s arctic islands, which projection presents
these places the largest? Why is it so exaggerated?

The Mercator Projection is the largest because the distortion in that map is
the size itself. It distorts the size, especially near the North and South
poles.

4. Compare to the map of the Arctic Polar Region. Which map projection presents
Greenland as the proper shape? Which projection presents Greenland as the
most misshapen? Why?
The Mercator Projection is useful for keeping the shape intact while
distorting the area. On the other hand, the equal map keeps the are while
distorting the shape hence it looks the most misshapen.

5. “Choice of map projection makes a political statement”. Explain this point of view.
Why might certain countries reject a particular map projection?

Map projections all have one type of distortion. Some of them include area.
Countries use cartography to create propaganda to influence their
population. This includes the area. Some countries want their country to be
bigger than their neighbouring countries so they reject certain maps.

6. For each of the 4 projections, describe a situation where


a. The map projection would be useful or appropriate

For the Mercator Map it is useful for knowing the exact shape of countries.
For the Robinson Map, it does not have major distortions but is
compromise between the distortions
The Equal Area Map is useful for knowing the area of countries.
The Winkel Tripel projection is useful because it minimizes all the
distortions.

b. The map projection would be useless or inappropriate

The Mercator Map distorts area which is useful when trying to find area
The Equal Area map distorts shape
The Robinson map distorts land masses near the poles
The Winkel Triple isn’t exactly parallel
You may have some repetition between you answers which may be okay.

7. Why can’t a flat map present the world accurately?

A flat map can never present itself accurately because it is mathematically


impossible to represent a globe into a project without some form of
distortion.

8. If they’re inaccurate, why would people use flat world maps (give two reasons).

A globe can be more accurate on depicted areas, distances, and directions.


Maps have more detail and it is easier to pinpoint specific areas.

Flat maps are also useful for geographic information such as topography
and a globe cannot represent that.

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