Lab # 5

This lab exercise was really interesting because I got the chance to actually make map projections myself after learning about them in class. After creating the maps in different projections, I started to realize what the professor was talking about when he mentioned how map projections often lead to distortions. Each of these maps brings to attention how relative these maps truly are in relation to the actual distance between Washington D.C. and Kabul. Map projections show the 3-D world in a 2-D image, therefore, there are inaccuracies within each projection. Each map projection requires complex mathematical tools and there is not one that is perfect. Since none of the projections calculated the same distance in miles in this exercise, this proves that projections are often skewed and distorted. Therefore, it is important to know which projection is best for a specific project because each projection preserves a certain aspect.

There are three types of map projections: conformal map projections, equidistant map projections, and equal area map projections. Conformal map projections, like the Mercator projection and Miller Cylindral projection, preserve local angles therefore making them useful for navigational purposes and identifying the shape of continents and countries. Equal area map projections like Bonne projection and Goode Homolosine projection are better at preserving area in relation to one another, therefore they can be used to calculate the area of countries and continents efficiently or measuring and analyzing population density. Equidistant map projections like the Equidistant Conic and Equidistant Cylindrical maps preserve distance, therefore, they are most useful for calculating the distance between two fixed points. It is the best choice to use Equidistant map projections to calculate the distance between Washington, D.C. and Kabul, although the conic projection calculates the distance as 6,729 miles, while the cylindrical projection calculates the distance as 5,051 miles.

Some issues can be related to using map projections. One issue is making sure which map projection to use for the purpose of the project. Each map projection has its pros and cons for specific uses. As seen from this lab exercise of measuring the distance from Washington D.C. to Kabul, I got 10,186 miles from the Mercator projection and 5,052 miles from the Equidistant Cylindrical projection. Each of these distances would be meaningful, as long as it is used in the right context. Another issue is that all these map projections are distorted in a way. In most cases, the areas around the equator is preserved and as one gets further away from the equator, the distortions increase. For example, since Antarctica is far away from the equator, its size is disproportionately large in the Mercator projection.

Map projections also have a lot of potential. For example, each map projection gives us a different perspective of the same features on a world map that we would not normally see. They can be used to analyze the world around us in many different ways. Also, map projections are easy to read and practical. For example, one can use a conformal map to plan a trip from Long Beach to Cabo on a ship by using a Mercator projection or any other type of conformal projections. Therefore, map projections are useful in our everyday lives. Although globes can display the world in 3-D without distorting distance ratios or the shape, maps are a lot more portable and accessible.