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Maps distort land masses because it is impossible to accurately represent a three-dimensional object (Earth) on a two-dimensional surface (paper or screen). This distortion occurs because of the challenge in projecting a curved surface onto a flat plane, leading to inaccuracies in representing the true sizes and shapes of land masses. Different map projections are used to minimize distortion in specific areas, but some level of distortion will always be present in map representations.

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1y ago

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What properties do maps distort?

Since the world is round, flat maps (rectangular maps) distort the sizes of continents by making them larger than they actually are.


Why are maps more informative than globes?

Maps are typically more informative than globes because they can display larger areas in greater detail. Maps can show specific information such as roads, cities, and topographical features more clearly than globes, which can sometimes distort the shapes of land masses and distances. Additionally, maps can be updated more easily with current information than globes can.


What type of map may distort size but represents something other than the true land area?

Relative population density maps, height elevation maps, and mineral deposit maps are all I can think of.


What is is the definition of conic projections?

Answer: A Conic projection projects points & lines from a globe to a cone. It has little distortion in shape & area of land masses along lines of latitude (curved). Distortion does exist near the top & bottom of the projection (north & south poles). It is NOT useful for traveling long distances. They're very accurate in making maps of small areas because they don't distort the size & shape of the land. They're used to make road maps & weather maps.


Why do maps distort the distance?

routes change all the time


What happens to land masses near the north and south poles on a map?

Maps usually do not depict land where there is no human population. Generally, maps show landforms farther north than they show of the southern hemisphere.


What properties do flat maps distort?

Flat maps distort properties such as size, shape, distance, and direction of geographic features on the Earth's surface due to the challenge of representing a 3D spherical surface on a 2D plane. This distortion becomes more pronounced the further away from the equator you get.


All flat maps are projections that must distort at least one what properties?

yes


What are some of China's land masses?

What land masses are in or near China?


What are the large masses of land?

Large masses of land are called continents.


Does all map of earth distort the shapes and sizes of landmasses?

All flat maps do, globes do not.


What does land masses of the earth mean?

Land masses of the Earth refer to the large continuous areas of land that make up the Earth's surface, such as continents and islands. These land masses play a crucial role in shaping the planet's geography, climate, and ecosystems.