Question

Which of the following statements best characterizes a map projection that maintains angular relations on a map?

A. It distorts the size of objects as you move away from the equator.
B. It preserves the shape of objects but distorts their relative angles.
C. It accurately represents the size and shape of all objects on the map.
D. It is not used in cartography as it is an impractical concept.

Answer 1

The map projection that best maintains angular relations on a map is one that preserves the shape of objects but distorts their relative angles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The map projection that best characterizes the maintenance of angular relations on a map is option B: It preserves the shape of objects but distorts their relative angles.

Map projections are methods used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map. Different projections have different characteristics. While some projections prioritize preserving size and shape, others prioritize maintaining distances or angles.

For example, the Mercator projection, commonly used for nautical navigation, preserves angles but distorts sizes as you move away from the equator, as shown in Figure 0.4. This is why countries look larger near the poles in Mercator maps.