Chapter # 4 – Introduction to Geography
4.1 Map Reading
4.1.1 Define Map and Map Projection
Map
A map is a visual representation of the Earth’s surface or a portion of it, displayed on a flat surface like paper or a screen. It shows geographical features, political boundaries, and other spatial information, aiding in navigation, planning, and analysis.
Map Projection
A map projection is a systematic method used to represent the three-dimensional surface of the Earth onto a two-dimensional map. Since the Earth is a curved surface, it is impossible to accurately represent its entire surface on a flat map without distortion. Map projections aim to minimize distortion while preserving certain properties such as area, shape, distance, or direction. There are numerous types of map projections, each with its own strengths and weaknesses depending on the purpose of the map and the area being depicted. Common map projections include the Mercator projection, the Robinson projection, the Lambert Conformal Conic projection, and the azimuthal equidistant projection. Choosing the appropriate map projection is essential to ensure accurate and meaningful representations of geographical features on maps.