Answer to Question #166393 in Physics for Nondumiso

Question

Explain why areas situated along the equator are true to area

Answer 1

There are three things that can be shown by a map - direction, distance, and shape. It is impossible, except on a three dimensional globe, to show all three at the same time. Mercator’s map was designed for use by sailors: it always shows the right direction from one point to another - which is what matters when sailing out of sight of land. It does that by distorting shapes , and stretching the distances, towards the poles.