Final answer:
The Mercator projection is generally used to plot true magnetic compass readings between two points. It preserves the shape and angle of small features but distorts the size and shape of landmasses. Navigators must consider the distortion and the actual distance between points when using this projection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The map projection that is generally used to plot true magnetic compass readings (rhumb lines) between two points is the Mercator projection. The Mercator projection is a cylindrical map projection that preserves the shape and angle of small features, making it useful for navigational purposes. However, it distorts the size and shape of landmasses as you move further away from the equator.
For example, on a Mercator map, the rhumb line between two points will appear as a straight line, even though it represents a curved path on the Earth's surface. This distortion is a trade-off for maintaining the straight lines between true compass readings on a navigational chart.
When using the Mercator projection, it is important to be aware of this distortion and to consider the actual distance and curved path between two points when navigating using true magnetic compass readings.