Studyfin
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Hi there! I am Studyfin, your geography guide. Let us learn how we turn our round Earth into a flat map!
Our Earth is a round ball, also called a sphere. A flat map cannot show a round ball perfectly. Try flattening an orange peel, and it will rip or stretch!
A map projection is a way to show the round Earth on flat paper. The Mercator projection stretches the top and bottom of the map. This makes Greenland look as huge as Africa, even though Africa is actually fourteen times bigger!
The Robinson projection is different. It curves the sides of the map inward. This keeps land sizes looking more accurate, but the edges of the map are still slightly tilted.
Imagine you want to sail a ship across the ocean in a straight line. Which map projection should you use to plan your path, and why?
- First, think about what a sailor needs. A sailor needs straight directions that do not bend on the map.
- Next, look at the Mercator map. It uses straight grid lines that cross at perfect ninety-degree angles.
- Then, look at the Robinson map. Its curved sides mean directions will curve on the page.
- Finally, choose the Mercator map because its straight lines make it easy to plot a direct path for your ship.