why do all maps have distortions????

Answer 1

Because the earth is a sphere, but maps are flat. Therefore it is impossible to change a curved image to a flat one without some distortions.

Answer 2

They don't. Some maps are round like a globe. In the case of a flat map representing a curved surface, then there are distortions. IF you represent a small enough area of the round surface with a flat surface, then you won't even be able to tell that there are distortions. The larger the area you try to represent, then the larger the distortion becomes. This can be illustrated by looking at a ball such as a basketball. If you look real close, you see things well. If you look at the side then you don't see things so well. Maps don't see the sides well either even if you try to tell it the surface is flat.

Answer 3

A map is a 2 dimensional representation of a 3 dimensional space. Depending on the elevation changes a map could have some distortions.
Additionally, while the ground seems solid, it is actually moving all the time. If it did not move, property would not need to be surveyed repeatedly. I have seen witness points ( metal stakes driven into property corners to assist in locating boundary lines) not be where they were expected years after they were first set.

Answer 4

all maps of any part of the earths surface are distorted because the surface is curved and the map is flat
if you peel say quarter of an orange the peel is curved and cannot be made flat without damage, similar with maps of earth

Answer 5

Because a map is flat while the earth's surface is curved.

Answer 6

It is inherent when you try to represent a curved, 3 dimensional object on a flat, 2 dimensional surface

Answer 7

how could u draw a sphere on a paper without a distortion?

Answer 8

basically put... the earth is 3d.... maps are only 2d. There is no way to have all porportions exactly percise because of that 3rd demension.