14. Why do geographers use map projections?

Return to The World in Spatial Terms Video Questions

A map projection is an attempt to convey the round surface of the Earth on a flat surface. Map projections are needed, because, as stated in the video, it is not always possible to carry around a globe. Map projections may have slightly distorted characteristics as a result of the flattening of a round object.

Sources:

http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/mapproj/mapproj_f.html

http://www.progonos.com/furuti/MapProj/Normal/CartDef/MapDef/mapDef.html