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A flat map is distorted at the poles. Map projections allow us bring the world from 3d to 2d and see it from different perspectives, depending on what characteristics you want to preserve (i.e. distance, area, shape, and proximity). If you want a more accurate representation of the north pole you might use a planar projection, rather than a cylindrical projection. The only true representation of distance, area, shape, and proximity is a globe and those aren't very easy to fold up and put in our pockets are they?

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Q: Why do they have different map projections?
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Related questions

What is the grid location of vinson massif?

The grid location differs map to map. There are different map projections that particular researchers and cartographers prefer over others, and these different projections alter the grid locations for landmarks.


Why are map projections used?

To see different views of the Earth.


Why do cartographers use different map projections when presenting earth?

Map projections provide techniques to properly display features on maps, globes and atlases.


Why are there different types of map projections?

=The curved surface of the earth cannot be shown accurately on a map because such a surface must be stretched or broken in some places as it is flattened. For this reason mapmakers use map projections.=


What are the release dates for Map Projections - 1977?

Map Projections - 1977 was released on: USA: 1977


How could the world be shown on a map?

There are many different ways of showing the world on a map, called projections, but none of them are completely accurate.


Why does every map projection have some degree of distortion?

All map projections distort the surface in some fashion. Depending on the purpose of the map, some distortions are acceptable and others are not; therefore different map projections exist in order to preserve some properties of the sphere-like body at the expense of other properties. There is no limit to the number of possible map projections.


What different kinds of projections do world maps come in?

World maps come in a number of projections, each have their own uses and problems. These different projections include a globe, several types of Mercator projections, Robinson, Miller cylindrical, stereographic, orthographic, Sinusoidal, Gnomonic, several types of Azimuthal projections, and others. The US Geological Survey has comprehensive information on map projections available.


What are the 3 different types of map projections?

The three main types of map projections are cylindrical, conic, and azimuthal. Cylindrical projections show the Earth's surface on a cylinder, conic projections project the Earth's surface onto a cone, and azimuthal projections project the Earth's surface onto a plane. Each type has variations that can result in different map distortions.


Are there 3 main types of map projection?

Map makers are called cartographers. There are 3 generally accepted types of map projections. These are cylindrical projections, conic projects and planar projections.


What do map projections have in common?

distortion


What is the most common map projection used?

The most common map projections are based on three main geometric shapes: 1) Sphere to a Plane 2) Cylindrical Projections, 3) Conic Projections.