How is the Mercator projection distorted?

Although the linear scale is equal in all directions around any point, thus preserving the angles and the shapes of small objects, the Mercator projection distorts the size of objects as the latitude increases from the equator to the poles, where the scale becomes infinite. …

What places are distorted on a Mercator map?

In order to maintain the straight longitude lines on a Mercator Map, the lines of latitude are set farther apart as you move away from the Equator. This stretches places like Greenland and Alaska, distorting their size relationship to places that straddle the Equator, such as Africa.

Why are the maps distorted?

Because you can’t display 3D surfaces perfectly in two dimensions, distortions always occur. For example, map projections distort distance, direction, scale, and area. Every projection has strengths and weaknesses. All in all, it is up to the cartographer to determine what projection is most favorable for its purpose.

Why did Mercator make his map flat?

Mercator World Map. Geradus Mercator’s world maps flattened the spherical planet to make it easier to display. Displays of the landmasses are not necessarily proportional to their actual size, especially toward the poles. Despite these distortions, his maps are still in heavy use.

Why is Africa distorted?

The world map you are probably familiar with is called the Mercator projection (below), which was developed all the way back in 1569 and greatly distorts the relative areas of land masses. It makes Africa look tiny, and Greenland and Russia appear huge.

Why are maps wrong?

Maps and globes, like speeches or paintings, are authored by humans and are subject to distortions. These distortions can occur through alterations to scale, symbols, projection, simplification, and choices around the map’s content.

What is a map distortion?

distortion. On a map or image, the misrepresentation of shape, area, distance, or direction of or between geographic features when compared to their true measurements on the curved surface of the earth.

What is the major weakness of the Mercator projection?

Disadvantages: Mercator projection distorts the size of objects as the latitude increases from the Equator to the poles, where the scale becomes infinite. So, for example, Greenland and Antarctica appear much larger relative to land masses near the equator than they actually are.

What is distortion in map projection?

Map projections In cartography, a distortion is the misrepresentation of the area or shape of a feature. There are no map projections that can maintain a perfect scale throughout the entire projection because they are taking a sphereoid and forcing it onto a flat surface.

Why is Africa shrunk on maps?

What is one problem with a Mercator map?

The distorted sizes are not only a problem because they give a mistaken idea of what the world looks like. Mercator also increases the size, and arguably the perceived importance, of white nations in comparison to non-white nations. Mercator maps are also commonly cropped in an uneven way that adds even more prominence to Europe and North America.

What does a Mercator map accurately show?

A Mercator map translates the globe onto a flat map. Maps of relatively small regions of the Earth such as a state or a province accurately show places, distances, and directions .

What is a Mercator map best used as?

The Mercator projection was mainly used for maps. This made it possible for the entire globe to be drawn on a flat sheet. It is also used for marine navigation since the lines of constant direction appear as straight lines on the map.

What is a Mercator map?

The Peters Projection and Mercator Map The Mercator Map. The Mercator projection was developed in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator as a navigational tool. The Peters Projection. Trouble for Both Maps. Alternatives to Mercator and Peters.