world maps

Do Maps Reflect Reality?

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Do Maps Reflect Reality? Do maps reflect reality? In order to be readable and understandable, maps must distort reality. Mark Monmonier (1991) puts forth exactly this message: To avoid hiding critical information in a fog of detail, the map must offer a selective, incomplete view of reality. Are maps true representations of reality? The question

Does Mercator Show Direction?

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Does Mercator Show Direction? Does Mercator show direction? Mercator is a conformal map projection. Directions, angles, and shapes are maintained at infinitesimal scale. Any straight line drawn on this projection represents an actual compass bearing. Why is the Mercator map misleading? Mercator maps distort the shape and relative size of continents, particularly near the poles.