![]() The world map is what happened when the same projection was extended to include the whole world.Ĭonsider the full modern representation of a world map based on the Mercator projection that includes Antarctica. The Mercator projection is used for local navigation on a much smaller scale, where it makes sense. But should it? Obviously, nobody puts a world map in their lap and navigates based on that. So when using this projection on a map scaled for navigational use it's easier to find your way. Its purpose was to be used for maritime navigation and it served this purpose well since throughout the projection North is up and South is down, while local shapes and directions are maintained. The Mercator projection was originally presented by Flemish geographer and cartographer Gerardus Mercator back in 1569. Real size of Greenland overlaid on real size of Africa In reality of course Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland. ![]() ![]() Greenland and Africa, for example, look to be essentially the same size. In your head you likely use it to think about distances between countries, and of course the shapes and sizes of countries and continents. Here is the two-dimensional map you most likely know best, using the Mercator projection: A typical visual representation of the world: The Mercator ProjectionĬonsider your relationship to this map. Example Google image search: world map for classroom
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