Map projection is the method of representing the surface of a 3D sphere (earth) on a 2D plane. Due to the fact that there are various topography and features on our planet, there are multiple methods to represent the earth pursuant to the attributes we want to see on the map. This lab requires me to create two maps each for three different map projections; and they are Conformal, Equal-area, and Equidistant map projection.

The two maps above are Gall Stereographic and Mercator projections; they fall under the category of conformal projections. The one of a kind quality that a conformal map possesses is that it preserves angles locally, where the parallels and meridians are in perfect right angles. Furthermore, since these kinds of maps represents land with 90 degrees graticule, it clearly displays the shape of every land mass on earth. However, as land masses are distributed over a 3D sphere, it is impossible to exhibit this kind of authentic property on a conformal map; therefore, distortions such as the extra large size of Antarctica, the absence of arctic, and the elongated distance between Kabul and Washington D.C. are demonstrated.

Equal Area map projection is represented by the Bonne and Sinusoidal Projection shown above. This type of map is recognized when the quadrilaterals formed by meridians and parallels have an area on the map proportional to their area on the globe. Due to the fact that an Equal Area map allows one to compare the size of different features on earth, there is great potential in using this type of map in the real world; for instance, a real estate may find interest in investing in an apartment with a larger area, in this case, they could refer to an Equal Area map and compare the actual area between apartments. In addition, take note on the fact that the measured distance between the destinations are quite close to the actual distance; thus verifying the adequate degree of map-land proportion. On the other hand, there are distortions in the ocean in order to minimize the distortions in the continents.

The last type of map would be the Equidistant map projection, and it is represented by the Plate Carree and the Equidistant Conic map projections. This kind of map accurately preserves the distance between certain points or topography. This property is manifested on the equidistant conic map projection, as the measured distance between Washington D.C. and Kabul is similar to the actual ground distance. The possession of such a fundamental quality possibly makes the equidistant map one of the popular maps, eventhough there is no map that suits all purposes. Since distances are true only along certain lines such as the ones that are radiated from one point selected as the center of the projection, an equidistant map can be used in the aftermath of an earthquake where it can locate damages around the epicenter.