Projection
Definition
In geography, a projection is a method by which the curved surface of the earth is represented on a flat map.
Analogy
Think of peeling an orange and trying to lay the peel flat without tearing it. It's impossible to do perfectly because you're trying to make a 3D shape fit into 2 dimensions. That's what cartographers are up against when they create maps - they have to decide how best to "peel" the Earth!
Related terms
Mercator Projection: This is a type of map projection where lines of latitude and longitude intersect at right angles, but areas near the poles appear larger than they actually are.
Robinson Projection: A map projection that attempts to balance several aspects of distortion (area, shape, distance), making it good for general use.
Cylindrical Projection: A type of map in which points on the Earth's surface are projected onto a cylinder wrapped around the planet.
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