Final answer:
The three major ways to present the round Earth on a flat map are through planar, conic, and cylindrical projections, each suited for different regions of the Earth and used for various purposes like topographic maps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three major ways the round Earth is presented on a flat map include planar, conic, and cylindrical projections. The planar projection projects map data onto a flat plane, which is most useful for mapping the poles. The conic projection involves projecting map data onto a cone placed over the Earth, which is particularly practical for mapping midlatitude areas. The cylindrical projection is where map data is projected onto a cylinder, and this method is well-represented by the Mercator projection, which displays a grid of longitude and latitude lines.
Topographic maps are another type of map that aid in visualizing the Earth's surface by indicating elevation with contour lines. This addition of the vertical dimension helps provide a better understanding of the Earth's topography. These maps are essential tools in geography and other sciences that require visualization and interpretation of the Earth's features.