| A flat (2 dimensional) world map represents the Earth, which is a 3
dimensional sphere. A globe is the most accurate representation of the
Earth because both are spheres. However, a flat world map can be easier
to use. You can see the Earth's entire surface on a map. Also, maps are
larger and therefore easier to read and locate places.
When changing from a globe to a flat map, distortions will occur. The
globe shows four features accurately: shape, size, distance, and
direction. At the most, a flat world map can only keep one of these
features accurate, with the other three features being distorted.
Some world maps make compromises, with some features shown more
accurately than others. Distortions on world maps are most obvious near
the north and south polar areas, and are least noticeable at the
equator. Compare the size and shape of Greenland on a globe and a world
map to see an example of distortion.
??? 1. What is the projection of the world map you are using?
___________________ Is it shown above? _________
Distance on a World Map
Most maps will show a measurement of distance called scale. On world
maps, this measurement of distance is usually only accurate at the
equator or along individual lines of latitude. Distance measurements in
a diagonal or vertical direction are less reliable.
??? 2. Check the scale on the world map at the bottom on the left
side. Write it down.
1 inch = ____________miles
Note that it is Equatorial Scale. This means it is only accurate at
the equator. The further from the equator you go, the more inaccurate
the scale becomes.
3. Now measure the length of the Equator on the world map in inches.
_________ inches
4. To find out the circumference of the world at the Equator,
(distance around the world at the Equator), multiple the scale by the
length of the Equator.
________ miles in 1 inch X ___________ inches = ____________
miles (actually 24,902 miles)
North and South Polar Maps
Since scale becomes more inaccurate as you move closer to the North
and South Poles, special polar maps are used to show the north and south
polar areas.
Polar maps are equal-distance projections. The maps show a scale bar
and a statement, "scale true along the meridians". This means that the
measurement of distance is accurate when measured outward from the North
or South Pole only.
The North Pole is the joining point of all longitude lines, and is
called the "True" North Pole. The True North and True South Poles are
also the location of the axis on which the Earth rotates. The location
of the North and South Poles are only stated as latitude, 90 degrees
north latitude, or 90 degrees south latitude.
North Magnetic Pole
The North Magnetic Pole is the location where a compass points. It is
separate from the "True" North Pole mentioned above. The North Magnetic
Pole is located near the northern Canadian island of Ellef Ringnes. The
North Magnetic Pole actually moves very slowly, perhaps 5 miles a year.
??? 5. What is the present latitude and longitude location of the
Magnetic North Pole?
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