Map Projections
A map projection is a way of flattening the curved Earth onto a flat map, which always causes some distortion.
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A map projection is a way of flattening the curved Earth onto a flat map, which always causes some distortion.
- The Mercator projection stretches areas near the poles
- Greenland looks too big on Mercator
- Each projection suits a purpose
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Map Projections?
Within Geography, which covers maps, landforms, weather, climate, population and settlements: understand how our planet and people connect, this topic explains Map Projections. Geography explains how places, people and natural processes connect, so each topic here combines a clear definition with a visual model.
Check that you can explain Map Projections in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Map Projections helps you explain patterns on maps and in the news, and make reasoned decisions about places and environments.
Map Projections in detail
A map projection is a method of showing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map, and all projections involve some distortion of area, shape, distance or direction. The Mercator projection keeps directions correct, which is useful for navigation, but makes areas near the poles look much bigger, so Greenland appears as large as Africa.
The Peters (Gall-Peters) projection shows true areas but distorts shapes, and the Robinson projection is a compromise. A globe is the most accurate model. Choosing a projection depends on its purpose, and the choice can influence how people see the world.
How the interactive helps you understand Map Projections
Watch the globe in the interactive. Use any sliders or buttons it offers to change the values and see how the globe responds.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Map Projections.
Real-life uses and examples
- Interpret a graph or map that shows Map Projections and say what it suggests.
- Describe a real place where Map Projections can be seen, using a map or photograph.
- Explain how Map Projections affects people, jobs and land use in a region.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up cause, effect and consequence when you explain Map Projections.
- Writing general statements without a named place or example.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Map Projections
What is Map Projections?
A map projection is a way of flattening the curved Earth onto a flat map, which always causes some distortion.
What are the most important points about Map Projections?
The main points are: The Mercator projection stretches areas near the poles; Greenland looks too big on Mercator; Each projection suits a purpose.
Why is Map Projections useful?
Understanding Map Projections helps you explain patterns on maps and in the news, and make reasoned decisions about places and environments.
How can I practise Map Projections?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Map Projections?
Related topics in Geography include Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, The Rock Cycle.