Mercator projection

Straight lines can represent constant compass bearings. This topic is part of Cartography within Geography. This page currently draws on 4 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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Mercator projection trivia questions

The Mercator projection was designed especially to aid what?

Answer: Navigation

Bonus fact: Straight lines can represent constant compass bearings.

What major distortion occurs near the poles on a Mercator map?

Answer: Areas appear greatly enlarged

Bonus fact: Greenland looks much larger relative to Africa than it really is.

Who introduced the Mercator projection in 1569?

Answer: Gerardus Mercator

Bonus fact: Mercator was a Flemish cartographer.

What is the name of the map projection developed by Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century?

Answer: Mercator projection

Bonus fact: The Mercator projection preserves local angles, making it useful for navigation, but greatly distorts area near the poles.

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