Question

How has the Mercator map changed the way geographers view the globe? Why is the Mercator map important? In complete sentences, write one paragraph about the Mercator map.

a) It distorts size, emphasizing northern regions. The map is crucial for navigation.
b) It accurately represents areas, aiding global studies. The map is irrelevant for navigation.
c) It minimizes distortion in polar areas. The map is used for artistic purposes.
d) It prioritizes accuracy in longitude. The map is primarily for educational use.

Answer 1

The Mercator map, created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569, has altered geographical perception by its characteristic straight-line navigation aid while introducing size distortions, particularly at higher latitudes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Mercator map has notably changed the way geographers view the globe due to its unique projection system. Introduced by Gerardus Mercator in 1569, it features a grid of longitude and latitude lines that allows for direct navigational courses to be represented as straight lines on the map. This design is highly beneficial for navigation, which makes the Mercator map an essential tool for sailors. However, it introduces distortions in size and shape of the continents, particularly as one moves away from the equator—making high latitude regions appear larger than they actually are. In this sense, while it has its significance in navigation, the Mercator map is not ideal for accurate representation of land masses for global studies due to its inherent distortions.