Map Projection Worksheets

Map projection worksheets are a helpful resource for geography enthusiasts and students looking to improve their understanding of map projection. These worksheets provide a structured platform to explore different types of map projections, their advantages and limitations, and how they distort the representation of the Earth's surface. Through this printable worksheet, you can develop your geography knowledge and understand various important terms such as distortion, earth's surface, and others. Whether you are someone who wants to deepen knowledge of cartography or an educator searching for engaging lesson materials, these worksheets offer valuable exercises to enhance your understanding of this fascinating subject.

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Learn the types of map projections using our Map Projection Worksheets!

What is Map Projection?

Map projection is a term used in cartography. Map projection is an area transformation to represent the surface of a three-dimensional globe on a flat plane. In map projection, coordinates are expressed as longitude and latitude. Map projection is important in making two-dimensional maps.

The projection of the globe on a flat plane uses the concept of distortion of the earth's surface. One of the most famous map projections is the Mercator Projection.

The projection is conformal. Map projections are not only displayed on paper but also on the screen. Map makers use points on the Earth's surface and project them on a flat surface. This method allows the map-maker to control the distortion of creating a flat map.

So, the main purpose of using map projections is to depict the 3D surface of the earth on a 2D plane. The projection method involves mathematical calculations. However, several map projections use a graphical approach.

How Map Projection Works?

If you are still confused about how map projection works, here we provide a detailed explanation of how map projection works.

• A globe is used as a medium to represent the earth.
• Using a globe makes it quite difficult for us to measure distances accurately. For this reason, scientists use projections to change the 3D surface of the earth to 2D. With this projection, we can more easily see the entire surface of the earth.
• A globe has latitude (horizontal) and longitude (vertical). If projected, the latitude and longitude lines become a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis and y-axis).
• Because we changed the 3D shape to 2D, some parts are not the same. This is because the paper doesn't fit when placed on the globe. This is called distortion. So, map projections always involve distortion.

What are the Types of Map Projection?

In general, 4 types of map projection are often used. Let's discuss the 4 types of map projections here!

• Cylindrical Projection: Cylindrical projection produces projections of straight and parallel meridians that intersect perpendicularly. This projection is able to visualize all parts of the earth.
• Pseudocylindrical Projection: This is one of the variants of cylindrical projection with curved meridians.
• Conic Projection: This projection produces straight meridian lines and forms concentric arcs. However, this projection is only able to display part of the earth in a cone shape.
• Planar Projection: This projection also produces straight, convergent meridians, and forms concentric circles. This projection is also known as azimuthal projection because it has azimuthal properties. This projection is a plane projection because it is based on a flat plane. So when viewed from above, the projection shows one part of the earth.

What is Map Projection Distortion?

You need to know that it is impossible to change the globe to 2D without distorting it. Map projection distortion helps us visualize the type of distortion, the amount of distortion, and where the distortion occurs. Without distortion, all the maps we use are the same size, so we still have difficulty visualizing them.

When we transform the earth's surface into a 2D grid, 4 types of distortion occur; distortion of angle, size, direction, and distance. If there is still a map projection that avoids one or more of these distortions, the projection has the properties of the globe such as conformity, equal distance, equality, and azimuthality.

Cartographers use map projections based on the purpose and region. This projection causes distortions that affect the following elements.

• Area: This projection is related to the size of the area.
• Shape: This projection is also called conformal or orthomorphic which is used to preserve the shape of local regions and angles.
• Distance: This projection is an equidistant projection because it displays the actual distance between one or two points on the map.
• Direction: These projections include conformal, azimuthal, and orthomorphic.

How to Teach Map Projection to Students?

Learning geography is important for students. In geography, students also learn map projections. However, the topic can be a challenge for students. So, teachers need to implement the following steps to teach map projection to students.

• First, prepare learning materials. You can use images or videos to introduce the definition of map projection and its types.
• After that, divide students into groups and ask each group to analyze the types of map projections. So, you need Map Projection Worksheets that present types of map projections.
• In the group discussion, students must identify two similarities and one difference between several types of map projections. They should also discuss how the map is distorted.
• After they have finished discussing it, clarify and verify the results of the student discussion.

What is a Map Projection Worksheet?

Map Projection Worksheet is a worksheet that can be used by anyone who wants to learn map projection such as students, cartography enthusiasts, or surveyors. This worksheet presents various types of map projection. One of them is equal-area projection.

This worksheet is very easy to use. You can also download and print it for free. So, you can use it anywhere and anytime. Uniquely designed, this worksheet presents an interesting world map visualization so you won't get bored when using it.

If you want to develop your geography skills, you need to use Map Projection Worksheets as a guiding tool to help you understand projection concepts such as Mercator projection, equal-area projection, conic projection, and cylindrical projection.

This worksheet is very easy to use and can be printed for free. So, use this worksheet now and understand the various shapes of the earth's surface easily!