map projections
Globe-to-flat conversions
Map projections are methods for representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat plane.
Because a sphere cannot be flattened without distortion, every projection sacrifices accuracy in some dimension—area, shape, distance, or direction—while preserving others.
The Mercator projection maintains compass bearings but drastically enlarges polar regions; equal-area projections preserve relative size but warp shapes.
Cartographers choose projections based on purpose: navigation, thematic mapping, or general reference.
- MercatorCylindrical cartographic projection
- coordinate systemsMethods for locating points
- geographic coordinatesPosition on Earth's surface
- cartographyCreating geographic representations
- world mapFlat Earth depiction
longitude · latitude · equidistant · equator · interrupted · sinusoidal · grid · map scale · meridian · Peters · stereographic · cylindrical · distortion · hemisphere · conic · azimuthal · conformal · coastlines
- geographycontinents, continent, oceans, countries, country
- map typesroad atlas, geological survey, state parks map
- cartographyworld map, atlas, globes, cartographers, navigation chart
- historical mapsatlas, atlases, historical atlas, maritime charts, compass roses
- Map odditiesBermuda Triangle, phantom islands, terra incognita, here be dragons, exclaves
- geospatial analysisGIS, remote sensing, terrain analysis, coordinate systems, satellite imagery
project, maps, projecting, projection, mapping, projected, mappers, projectionist, mapper