Final answer:
The Mercator projection is a cylindrical map projection introduced by Gerardus Mercator. It distorts sizes and shapes at high latitudes but aids in maritime navigation with straight lines of constant bearing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mercator projection is a type of cylindrical map projection. It was introduced by Gerardus Mercator in 1569 to aid with maritime navigation. By presenting a longitude and latitude grid, this projection allows a course of constant bearing to be plotted as a straight line, which is highly beneficial for ocean voyaging. It was developed by Gerardus Mercator in 1569 and became the standard methodology for map definitions during the age of exploration. The projection distorts the shape and size of continents as latitude increases, as illustrated by the comparison of country sizes between a Mercator projection and actual sizes.
However, the Mercator projection significantly distorts sizes and shapes as the latitude increases, resulting in landmasses far from the equator appearing much larger than they actually are. Despite its distortions, the Mercator projection has been widely used and recognized throughout history, especially in the age of exploration when navigational accuracy on the high seas was of paramount importance.