map distortion

Map distortion occurs because representing the Earth's curved surface on a flat map necessarily changes some aspects like size, shape, or distance. Since it's impossible to perfectly flatten a sphere without stretching or compressing regions, different map projections prioritize preserving certain features over others. For example, some maps keep shapes accurate but enlarge or shrink areas, while others maintain area but distort shapes. This inherent distortion means that any flat map is a simplified version of reality, and understanding these trade-offs helps us interpret maps more accurately.