1. Maps and Mapping All maps have some part that will look distorted.
Chapter 1.3 Representing Earth’s Surface
Maps and Mapping
All maps have some part that will look distorted.
This distortion is compensated for by producing multiple types of maps for multiple uses.

2. Latitude and Longitude
Latitude is distance north and south of the equator.
Longitude is distance east and west of the prime meridian.

3. Mercator Projection
Used by sailors.
Shows DIRECTIONS accurately

4. Robinson Projection Most widely used.
Shows DISTANCES, SIZES and SHAPES accurately.

5. Conic Projection Used for road maps and weather maps.
Shows SMALL AREAS accurately.

6. Gnomonic Projection Used by sailors and airplane navigators.
Shows the SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO POINTS accurately.

7. Map Types Map Type Advantages Disadvantages Mercator Projection
(Rectangular)
Rectangular; longitude lines are parallel; directions are shown accurately
Sizes and distances distorted
Robinson projection
(Oval)
Most distances, sizes and shapes are accurate
Distortions around the map edges
Conic Projection
(Cone-Shaped)
Great accuracy over small areas; good for road and weather maps
Lots of distortion on most of the map
Gnomonic Projection
(Circular)
Reliably shows the shortest distance between two points
Exact distances and directions are distorted

8. Project: Map Quest
You have been given a number. According to your number, you will be assigned one of the following map types to make. Make a map of the type assigned to you showing major continents and latitude and longitude lines. You will be asked to place/relate your map to a real globe and explain how it is made and what it’s primary uses are. Due in 1 week.
Mercator
Robinson
Conic
Gnomic