Warm Up: Map Projections

Front

What is the primary advantage of using a globe over a flat map?

Back

Globes provide a three-dimensional view of Earth, offering the most accurate representation of the world.

Front

How does a cartographer's purpose influence map projections?

Back

The cartographer's purpose and the projection used determine what information is accurate and what is distorted on the map.

Front

What is a map projection?

Back

A map projection is a method of representing the spherical Earth on a flat surface.

Front

What is a key disadvantage of globes compared to maps?

Back

Globes are less portable and show less detail than flat maps.

Front

What type of map projection is best for representing areas with a large east-west extent?

Back

Cylindrical projections are often used for areas with a large east-west extent.

Front

What is a conical map projection?

Back

A conical map projection is created by projecting the Earth's surface onto a cone, which is then unrolled to create a flat map.

Front

What is distortion in map projections?

Back

Distortion refers to the inaccuracies that occur when representing the three-dimensional Earth on a two-dimensional surface.

Front

What are the three main types of map projections?

Back

The three main types of map projections are cylindrical, conical, and azimuthal.

Front

Why are some map projections better for navigation than others?

Back

Some map projections maintain accurate angles and distances, making them better for navigation.

Front

What is the Mercator projection?

Back

The Mercator projection is a cylindrical map projection that distorts size but preserves shape, making it useful for navigation.