Final answer:
The Mercator projection is especially useful for navigation as it keeps direction constant across the map, allowing sailors to navigate using a compass. However, it distorts the shape of land masses and the size of bodies of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The flat earth map projection, also known as the Mercator projection, is especially useful for navigation on the surface of the Earth because direction is constant across the map. This means that if you draw a straight line on the map, it will represent the same compass direction in reality. While the Mercator projection does distort shape and size, it allows sailors to easily navigate using a compass and a straight line.
However, it is important to note that the Mercator projection does not accurately represent other properties of the Earth's surface. It distorts the shape of land masses towards the poles, making them appear larger than they actually are. Additionally, the size of bodies of water is also distorted.
Therefore, while the Mercator projection is useful for navigation purposes, it is not the most accurate map projection when it comes to representing the true shape and size of the Earth's features.