Final answer:
Goode's Homolosine map projection aims to minimize distortion in area, shape, and distance, offering a more balanced depiction of the Earth's surface compared to the Mercator projection, which is known for significant distortion at higher latitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary goal of Goode's Homolosine map projection is B) To minimize distortion in terms of area, shape, and distance. Unlike Mercator projections, which present challenges in accurately representing the true scale of land masses, particularly as you move away from the equator, Goode's Homolosine projection seeks to provide a more balanced view. By interrupting the oceans, this projection can more accurately depict the landmasses in terms of their size, shape, and distances, though some distortion is still unavoidable due to the 3D surface of the Earth being represented on a 2D plane.
This approach reflects a different set of priorities compared to the Mercator projection, which is more suitable for navigation purposes due to its representation of angles and shapes over large areas but significantly distorts sizes at higher latitudes. By creating a compromise between the different types of distortions, the Homolosine projection is particularly useful in educational and thematic mapping where the accurate representation of landmasses is important for understanding spatial relationships.