Table of Contents
- 1 Is the Mercator projection equivalent or conformal?
- 2 Is the Mercator projection is most accurate at the poles?
- 3 What does the Mercator map projection show accurately?
- 4 How is the Mercator projection different from the globe?
- 5 When did Erhard Etzlaub make the Mercator projection?
- 6 What was the latitude of the Mercator 1569 map?
Is the Mercator projection equivalent or conformal?
One of the most common and controversial types of map projection within these categories is the Mercator projection. This projection is cylindrical and conformal. It was originally used for navigation purposes but later became a staple in classrooms to teach world geography.
Is the Mercator projection is most accurate at the poles?
This map preserves directional bearing, presenting rhumbs (imaginary lines that cut all meridians at the same angle) as straight lines, thus making it a useful tool for navigation. Despite its benefits, the Mercator projection drastically distorts the size and shape of objects approaching the poles.
What does the Mercator map projection show accurately?
This projection is widely used for navigation charts, because any straight line on a Mercator projection map is a line of constant true bearing that enables a navigator to plot a straight-line course.
What are the properties of Mercator projection?
Mercator is a conformal map projection. Directions, angles, and shapes are maintained at infinitesimal scale. Any straight line drawn on this projection represents an actual compass bearing. These true direction lines are rhumb lines and generally do not describe the shortest distance between points.
What is the disadvantage of the Robinson projection?
Advantage: The Robinson map projection shows most distances, sizes and shapes accurately. Disadvantage: The Robinson map does have some distortion around the poles and edges.
How is the Mercator projection different from the globe?
Mercator’s projection was different – this is a tool for exploration. Instead of the longitude lines diverging at the poles and converging at the Equator, these have been straightened into parallel lines like the latitude lines. The world is therefore not a globe but a square.
When did Erhard Etzlaub make the Mercator projection?
German polymath Erhard Etzlaub engraved miniature “compass maps” (about 10×8 cm) of Europe and parts of Africa that spanned latitudes 0°–67° to allow adjustment of his portable pocket-size sundials. The projection found on these maps, dating to 1511, was stated by Snyder in 1987 to be the same projection as Mercator’s.
What was the latitude of the Mercator 1569 map?
Mercator 1569 world map ( Nova et Aucta Orbis Terrae Descriptio ad Usum Navigantium Emendate Accommodata) showing latitudes 66°S to 80°N. The Mercator projection ( / mərˈkeɪtər /) is a cylindrical map projection presented by Flemish geographer and cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569.
How are equidistant map projections used to measure distance?
Equidistant map projections allow distances to be measured accurately along straight lines radiating from one or, at most, two points or they can have correct distance (thus maintain scale) along one or more lines.