Why do most map projections distort the earth's landforms and bodies of water in one way or another?

Question

Why do most map projections distort the earth's landforms and bodies of water in one way or another?

Answer 1

if you've ever tried to use wrapping paper to wrap a ball, you know it doesn't work very well.

a flat sheet just doesn't nicely fit around a sphere.

in the same way, when you flatten out a sphere, it gets distorted.

Answer 2

The earth is round and when it is put on a flat map it is distorted.  Imagine taking a ball and cutting it to lay flat.  It wouldn't be the same.  If you have an old ball try cutting it so it lays flat and see what happens.

Answer 3

The varying map projections can either depict shapes accurately or area accurately.  Most use what is called the Mercator projection, which is a compromise between both aspects.

The problem arises because a mapmaker is trying to depict a spherical surface on a rectangular frame.  When one does this, in order to fit the entire surface on the 2-dimensional frame, one has to flatten the spherical surface, causing distortion.

You can find many different projections on the internet.  I find the "Upside down" maps to be quite interesting.  Makes you wonder if the map you use can lead to ethnocentric attitudes.