Map Projections
Globes and Maps
• A globe is a scale model of the Earth that presents the
most accurate depiction of geographic information such as
area, distance, and direction.
• A printed map is a symbolic representation of all or
part of the planet.
Projections
• A globe that has been put onto a piece of paper is called a
map projection.
• This is will always have some distortions
• A distortion is a change in the size, shape, or distance on
a map. (Please add distance to your paper)
Common Map Projections
The Mercator projection
increasingly distorts size
and distance as it moves
away from the Equator.
However, Mercator
projections do accurately
show true directions and
the shapes of landmasses,
making these maps useful
for sea travel.
Projections (cont.)
Conic Projection
A conic projection comes from
placing a cone over part of a
globe. Conic projections are
best suited for showing limited
east-west areas that are not
too far from the Equator. For
these uses, a conic projection
can indicate distances and
directions fairly accurately.
Common Map Projections (cont.)
An interrupted
projection resembles a
globe that has been cut
apart and laid flat.
Goode’s Interrupted
Equal-Area projection
shows the true size and
shape of Earth’s
landmasses, but
distances are generally
distorted.
Common Map Projections (cont.)
• The Equal Area
Projection shows
accurate sizes and
distance for land areas,
but the land shapes are
distorted. Especially
near the edges.
Equal Area Projection
Section (cont.)
1
Common Map Projections
The Robinson projection
has minor distortions. The
sizes and shapes near the
eastern and western edges
of the map are accurate,
and outlines of the
continents appear much as
they do on the globe.
However, the polar areas
are flattened.
Map Projection Practice
Map Projection Practice
Map Projection Practice
Map Projection Practice
Test and Binder Check
• Test over Geography Skills is Next TUESDAY SEPTEMBER
20th. We will review Friday and also discuss your 9/11
papers. However, those are due on Thursday.
• Binder Check – On the next slide will be a list of all the
items you need for this class.
• Remember to ask me for anything missing or grab from
the wikipage at:
www.mrmazonwikipage.wikispaces.com
• cmazon@cdeducation.org
Binder Check Items