Map projection

A map projection is a method used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map. Since the Earth is a sphere, transferring its features—like countries and oceans—onto a flat surface can distort their shapes, sizes, or distances. Different projections serve various purposes: some preserve area, while others maintain angles or distances. For example, the Mercator projection is useful for navigation but distorts land size, making Greenland appear much larger than it is. Understanding map projections helps us interpret maps accurately and recognize their limitations in conveying geographic information.