W2D3 Exit Ticket

Every map projection has some degree of distortion because

• A curved surface cannot be represented on a flat surface without distortion

• Parallels and meridians never cross at right angles on a globe

• The grid system is two-dimensional, while the real world is three-dimensional

• Earth is not a perfect sphere

• Latitude lines are shorter than meridian lines.

Which of the following statements about the Robinson projection is correct?

• It is more useful for long-distance navigation than the Mercator projection.

• It is better for making topographical maps than the Mercator projection.

• It is more accurate than the Mercator projection in showing the sizes of countries in higher latitudes.

• It is more useful for showing the distribution of human populations than the Mercator projection.

• It is better for estimating territorial waters in lower latitudes than the Mercator projection.

Which of the following statements about the Mercator projection is correct?

• The size and shape of countries in the higher latitudes are greatly exaggerated.

• The size of all countries is accurate, but the shape is distorted.

• Countries near the Equator appear 50 percent larger than countries in the middle latitudes.

• The projection is designed to maintain undistorted outlines of landmasses.

• Distances on the Mercator projection are real and accurate.

For each map displayed answer the following:

1. Map projection
2. Discuss one weakness and one strength of each projection.