Why do all flat maps have distortions? and What kind of distortions do flat maps have?

Question

Hi Guys, I just need to know Why do all flat maps have distortions? and What kinds of distortions do flat maps have??? PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

Because it is imposible to represent an spherical surface over a flat one without some kind of distorsion.

Here you have some web adresses on the theme of the proyections of a sphere over a flat field. There are many more.
http://www.fortunecity.com/emachines/e11/86/maps.html
http://www.warnercnr.colostate.edu/class_info/nr502/lg1/map_projections/distortions.html
http://www.historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/maps/question2.html

Answer 2

Why Are Maps Distorted

Answer 3

The world is round, as you know, and it is impossible to but a sphere onto a rectangle and keep the same distortions. On rectangular maps, the top and bottom of the map is a lot larger and the continents are a lot bigger than they really are. On The maps with curved ends, the continents are a lot farther apart than they really are.

Answer 4

Ok, think about it this way. Imagine taking a hollow ball like a basketball and cutting it in half, then laying the two sides next to each other and pressing them flat against a surface. First of all the shape would not be a rectangle and second of all you would have to stretch certain parts of the ball to make it lie flat. Once its in that format it doen't really accurately represent the basketball anymore.

Answer 5

It relies upon on the map projection. the conventional mercator projection initiatives the sector of the earth onto a cylinder, of an identical diameter with the aid of fact the equator. while this cylinder is rolled out, the centre (the equator) isn't distorted, with the aid of fact the circumference of the cylinder is an identical with the aid of fact the circumference of the equator. closer the poles, the dimensions of the parallels of variety are represented with the help of an identical circumference of the cylinder; yet their circumference on earth's floor gets gradually much less. interior the severe case on the poles, the poles are represented with the help of the sting of the rolled-out cylinder on the map; yet are in actuality a factor on the floor. subsequently distances get exaggerated in the direction of the poles. different projections attempt to remedy this difficulty with the help of showing the sizes interior the astonishing cost; yet for this reason, the form turns into distorted. Conic projections attempt to remedy the subject with the help of splitting the earth into series of conic sections. on the dimensions of a close-by topographic map or a close-by map, the distortion isn't so obvious, and the Mercator projection is used broadly for such maps.

Answer 6

The simple answer would be: get a rectangular map of the world and try to wrap it onto a globe.

Can't be done.

Answer 7

Because the world is round and your paper is flat

Answer 8

Because the world is not flat. All lines have curvature even though they appear straight.