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ALL flat maps distort distances and directions. The Earth is roughly a sphere; there is no way to show a flat map without distortions. When you press your face against a window, flattening your face distorts your image; so too with every kind of map. The only map with no distortion is a globe.

But each different kind of map produces different kinds of distortions, so it's important to pick the kind of map that produces the least distortion for your purpose.

But perhaps the worst map, in terms of distortion at higher latitudes, is the Mercator projection of the entire Earth. Along the equator, a Mercator map is quite accurate, but as you move north or south of about 45 degrees latitude, it becomes wildly exaggerated.

For higher latitudes, choose a "conic section" matched to your latitude. Around the poles, you should choose a polar projection map.

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A globe is more accurate than a map because a globe can show?

A globe is more accurate than a map because it is a three-dimensional representation of the Earth, which minimizes distortions in shape, size, and distance that can occur on flat maps. This allows for more accurate depictions of the planet's features and their spatial relationships.


What is the main drawback of the homolosine projection?

The main drawback of the homolosine projection is distortion of shape and distance. This projection sacrifices accurate representation of both shape and size to achieve a compromise that minimizes distortion across the entire map.


What instrument measures distance between cities?

A common instrument used to measure distance between cities is a map scale. Maps provide a visual representation of the relative distance between locations and often include a scale that allows users to translate map distances into actual physical distances. GPS devices and online mapping services also provide accurate measurements of distance between cities.


Why is it so difficult to have an accurate representation of the Earth on a flat map?

It is challenging to accurately represent the Earth on a flat map because it is a three-dimensional, curved surface being projected onto a two-dimensional plane. This distortion leads to inaccuracies in size, shape, distance, and direction. Different map projections prioritize certain characteristics, such as preserving area or shape, which can further complicate representation accuracy.


How are compass rose and scale different?

A compass rose is a figure on a map or chart that displays the orientation of the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) and often includes intermediate directions. In contrast, a scale is a representation that indicates the relationship between distances on the map and actual distances on the ground, allowing users to measure real-world distances. While both are essential for navigation and map reading, they serve distinct purposes in conveying directional and distance information.

Related Questions

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How long of a drive is it from Boston MA to portland Maine?

go to google maps, type in driving directions and it will give you a fairly accurate time and distance.


How do you find the driving distance between cities?

You can get distance and hours and directions from Mapquest.com


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How many miles does it take from bd9 4hp to bd3 9hd?

To determine the distance from BD9 4HP to BD3 9HD, you can use a mapping service or GPS tool. The distance is approximately 4 to 5 miles, depending on the specific route taken. For the most accurate distance, check a navigation app for real-time directions.


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What does the term foreshortened mean?

A surface on a multiview drawing that does not give a clear or accurate representation of size or shape and should not be dimensioned.


What is the most accurate way to show earths continents?

The most accurate way to show Earth's continents is using a map projection that minimizes distortions, such as the Winkel Tripel projection or the Robinson projection. These projections aim to balance shape, area, distance, and direction, providing a more accurate representation of the continents compared to other types of projections.


Why is the globe the only accurate way to represent the earth?

A globe is the most accurate representation of the Earth because it is a three-dimensional sphere that closely mirrors the actual shape of the planet. Flat maps distort the size and shape of landmasses when projecting a spherical surface onto a two-dimensional plane, resulting in inaccuracies in scale and distance.