Lab 3: Map Projections Galore!

The significance of multiple types of map projections such as conformal, equidistant, and equal area projections is that each is designed for certain uses. These different types of maps may vary from one another despite trying to convey similar information. Conformal maps, which preserve angle, are typically used for large scale mapping. An example of when it may be used is when planes are flying in between areas. Equidistant maps preserve distance on a line between two points which may be more useful for directions on the street level, while equal area maps preserve area which may be useful when trying to convey statistical information on a region.

One potential problem with having different types of map projections is that information such as distance may vary between maps. For all six maps made for this lab, the distance between Washington D.C. and Kabul are different in every single map. This may be a problem for users who are not familiar with the types of map projections. For the average person using a map, having varying distances between two points may be really confusing. Continuing with confusing distances, the fact that the scales are different for these maps may also confuse the average map reader, who may try to apply one scale to multiple maps.

In the case of the Mercator Projection above, its potential has been used for navigation such as for "nautical purposes because of its ability to represent lines of constant course" (Wikipedia.org). However, it exaggerates land area that is located further away from the equator. This paints an inaccurate picture of how large the land masses are that are closer to the poles. This can prove to be very misleading for people who may read a Mercator map with the goal of understanding how large, location, and relative distance between the land masses that occupy our Earth. An example would be that on some Mercator maps Greenland appears to have relatively the same land mass as Africa, but in reality, Africa's land area is actually about 14 times greater.

The main potential of having so many different map projections is that each type of map projection can accommodate each type of map user. It can also help with differing opinions on area or boundaries. With so many people in the world, it would be really difficult for everyone to use, settle on, and agree on one type of map. By having so many types of map, people can choose which one would be best suited for them, whether it be for navigating up in the air, out in middle of the ocean, or simply across town.