1. Map Projection Methods
Geography
Grade 10

2. Projection Methods of Maps
A projection method is used to transfer images from the globe to a flat surface.
It is used primarily for making small-scale maps, allowing a whole country or continent, or even the world to fit into one page.
The three most common types of projection are: plane, conical, and cylindrical.

3. Plane Projection
Restricted to mapping small areas such as the North or South Pole
Accurate in the centre
Clearly shows the converging meridians
Inaccurate around the edges

4. Plane Projection Map

5. Conical Projection
Used for countries, continents or regions with an east-west alignment
Accurate along the “standard parallel” which occurs approximately half way up the map
Very distorted near the top and bottom

6. Conical Projection Map

7. Cylindrical Projection
Useful for mapping equatorial regions and producing world maps
Only projection method that can gather most areas of the globe onto one map
Accurate along the equator
Almost useless beyond 60 degrees latitude

8. Cylindrical Projection Map

9. Map Projection Methods
There is a wide variety of specific projection methods (eg. Mercator, Equal-Area, Peters, Winkel-Tripel, etc.)
Each method has advantages and disadvantages
Generally speaking, there is no one overall best map projection method. Each method has value depending on your purpose.

10. The Mercator Projection
This is probably the most common form of map – used often in schools and in atlases.
Excellent for navigation as it shows the locations of places, relative to one another, correctly.
Distorts the sizes of places, especially near the poles.

11. The Winkel – Tripel Projection
Terrible for navigation as the location of most places is distorted.
Shows the size of countries more accurately
Good for political purposes – size matters in power and politics