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Map Projections

Terms in this set (5)

azimuthal projection map
Mapmakers create this map by projecting part of the globe onto a flat surface. The projection shows directions accurately but distorts shapes. It is often used for the polar regions.
mercator projection map
Shows much of the Earth accurately, but it distorts the shape and area of land near the North and South Poles. This projection shows direction accurately, so it is good for navigation maps.
homolosine projection map
Resembles the flattened peel of an orange. It accurately shows the shape and area of landmasses by cutting up the oceans. However, it does not show distances accurately.
robinson projection map
Combines the strengths of other projections. It shows the shape and area of the continents and oceans with reasonable accuracy. However, the North and South Poles are distorted.
winkel tripel projection map
A modified version of the Robinson projection. It has less distortion of area and shape. This projection has been the preferred projection of the National Geographic Society since 1998.
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