map projection
Every flat projection distorts some properties. This topic is part of Cartography within Geography. This page currently draws on 5 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
map projection trivia questions
A map projection converts Earth's curved surface onto what?
Answer: Flat map
Bonus fact: Every flat projection distorts some properties.
Why must all world map projections contain distortion?
Answer: A sphere cannot be flattened perfectly
Bonus fact: Shape, area, distance, or direction must be distorted.
Which property can an equal-area projection preserve accurately?
Answer: Relative area
Bonus fact: Equal-area maps show correct proportions of surface area.
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.
Why do globes avoid the shape distortion found on all flat world maps?
Answer: They preserve Earth's spherical geometry
Bonus fact: Every flat map projection distorts some combination of shape, area, distance, or direction.