MAPSMaps are a visual representation of the Earth’s surface, drawn to scale and made for a specific purpose.

Each unique map projection serves a particular purpose.

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Types of Maps

Physical maps show elevation, mountains, rivers, deserts etc…

Types of Maps

Political maps show countries, cities, capitals, counties.

Special purpose mapsMaps designed for a special purpose. Highway maps, population maps, etc…

Maps have four properties. When you take a round globe and “flatten” it, one or more of these properties will be “distorted.”

The properties of maps include:

scale

distance

area

direction

West Wing Map clip

Maps can promote a particular viewpoint.

What is wrong with this map?

Nothing. Check the compass.

MAP PROJECTIONS

Robinson Compromises Polar Areas

Hard to see the poles

Shows minimal distortion. Used by schools

Projection What is distorted

Disadvantages Advantages (what is it used for)

The Robinson projection distorts all properties to a degree, but doesn’t distort any single property too much.

Poles are distorted and properties further north and south are still a little larger than reality.

MAP PROJECTIONS

Robinson Compromises Polar Areas

Hard to see the poles

Shows minimal distortion. Used by schools

Mercator Areas larger near the poles.

Greenland looks as large as South America

Shows true direction. Used by ships navigators.

Projection What is distorted

Disadvantages Advantages (what is it used for)

Notice the size of Greenland compared to South America or Africa. In reality, it is about the size of Argentina.

Shapes are correct but sizes are distorted.

Mercator Projection

While it “looks” larger at the top, note how the distance between latitude lines increases

This is the map used by ships navigators. The shapes of countries are correct.

MAP PROJECTIONS

Robinson Compromises Polar Areas

Hard to see the poles

Shows minimal distortion. Used by schools

Mercator Areas larger near the poles.

Greenland looks as large as South America

Shows true direction. Used by ships navigators.

Azimuthal Latitude lines Can’t see the entire world on one map.

Used by airline pilots to plot the best route around the globe.

Projection What is distorted

Disadvantages Advantages (what is it used for)

Distances measured from the center are true. Distortion of other properties increases away from the center point.

Note how a plane would fly over Greenland to get to Moscow. How would a Robinson plot the trip?

Note the route planned on a Robinson Map. Adds unnecessary distance.

Remember, there are hundreds of map projections, each used for a specific purpose.