Understanding Map Projections

A Grade 12 social studies worksheet exploring different map projections, their properties, distortions, and appropriate uses.

Grade 12 Social studies GeographyMap Projections

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Multiple ChoiceFill in the BlanksShort AnswerMatchingTrue / FalseLong Answer

Standards

D2.Geo.1.9-12. Analyze the geographic characteristics of places and regions, including their absolute and relative locations, their physical and human characteristics, and their spatial organization.D2.Geo.3.9-12. Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships between the locations of places and regions and their environmental and cultural characteristics.

Topics

GeographyMap ProjectionsCartographyDistortionSocial Studies

8 sections · Free to use · Printable

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Understanding Map Projections

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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful answers based on your understanding of map projections and their characteristics.

1. Which of the following map projections accurately represents the shapes of landmasses but distorts their relative sizes, especially near the poles?

Mercator Projection

Gall-Peters Projection

Robinson Projection

Goode Homolosine Projection

2. Which type of map projection is best suited for showing global distributions of phenomena, aiming to minimize distortion across all properties (shape, area, distance, direction) at the expense of not perfectly preserving any single one?

Conformal Projection

Equal-Area Projection

Compromise Projection

Azimuthal Projection

3. All map projections inherently introduce some form of , as it is impossible to perfectly represent a three-dimensional sphere on a two-dimensional flat surface.

4. A map projection that preserves the accurate area of landmasses is called an projection.

5. The projection is often used for navigation because it shows true compass bearings as straight lines, making it easier for sailors to plot a course.

6. Explain the primary trade-off cartographers face when choosing a map projection.

7. Describe two specific distortions that occur on a Mercator projection and explain why it is still widely used despite these distortions.

Match each map projection characteristic with its description.

8. Conformal

a. Preserves accurate relative sizes of landmasses

9. Equidistant

b. Preserves accurate shapes of small areas

10. Equal-Area (Equivalent)

c. Preserves accurate distances from a central point

11. The Gall-Peters projection is known for accurately representing the shapes of continents, especially at high latitudes.

True

False

12. A cylindrical projection is created by conceptually wrapping a cylinder around the globe.

True

False

13. Discuss the political and cultural implications of using different map projections. How can the choice of projection influence perceptions of global power, development, and connectivity? Provide specific examples of how different projections might promote different viewpoints.