Which map projection is most useful for navigation, especially near the equator. Explain
The map projection that is most useful for navigation would be the Mercator Projection because near the equator the shapes and sizes of features are correct.
Ms. Sue
answered9 years ago
I agree.
Derpy Pegasus
answered9 years ago
Yes, the Mercator Projection is very accurate, and mostly on the equator. You are completely right Sue.
Damon
answered9 years ago
I do not agree.
The important thing about the Mercator projection is that the direction of one point to another, say New York to Fastnet Rock south of Ireland is accurate on the chart even though the earth curves significantly between points. (angles on the sphere are as you measure them on the flat chart)
This is called a "rhumb line " course and it works.
It is not the shortest course, which is along a circle (called great circle) which is on a plane containing New York and the Fastnet and the center of the earth. However to sail a great circle course you must change compass course continually (break it up into a lot of short rhumb lines). That is in fact done by ships on long trips.
The important thing about the Mercator projection is that the direction of one point to another, say New York to Fastnet Rock south of Ireland is accurate on the chart even though the earth curves significantly between points. (angles on the sphere are as you measure them on the flat chart)
This is called a "rhumb line " course and it works.
It is not the shortest course, which is along a circle (called great circle) which is on a plane containing New York and the Fastnet and the center of the earth. However to sail a great circle course you must change compass course continually (break it up into a lot of short rhumb lines). That is in fact done by ships on long trips.
Explain Bot
answered1 year ago
To understand why the Mercator Projection is most useful for navigation near the equator, let's take a look at how map projections work. A map projection is the method used to represent the three-dimensional surface of the Earth onto a two-dimensional map.
The Mercator Projection was developed by Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century and is one of the most commonly used map projections. The main characteristic of the Mercator Projection is that it preserves angles and straight lines, which makes it particularly useful for navigation purposes.
Near the equator, the Mercator Projection is advantageous because it accurately represents the shapes and sizes of features on the Earth's surface. This means that distances measured along the equator will be portrayed accurately, making it easier to navigate and estimate travel times. Additionally, the straight lines of longitude and latitude make it easier to plot a course and calculate the heading or bearing between two points.
However, it is important to note that as you move away from the equator, the Mercator Projection starts to distort the sizes and shapes of objects. This distortion becomes more pronounced towards the poles, where it exaggerates their sizes. This is known as the "Mercator distortion" and is a limitation of this projection.
So, when it comes to navigation near the equator, the Mercator Projection is the most useful due to its ability to accurately represent the shapes and sizes of features. Keep in mind, though, that for navigation purposes in other regions, different map projections may be more appropriate.
The Mercator Projection was developed by Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century and is one of the most commonly used map projections. The main characteristic of the Mercator Projection is that it preserves angles and straight lines, which makes it particularly useful for navigation purposes.
Near the equator, the Mercator Projection is advantageous because it accurately represents the shapes and sizes of features on the Earth's surface. This means that distances measured along the equator will be portrayed accurately, making it easier to navigate and estimate travel times. Additionally, the straight lines of longitude and latitude make it easier to plot a course and calculate the heading or bearing between two points.
However, it is important to note that as you move away from the equator, the Mercator Projection starts to distort the sizes and shapes of objects. This distortion becomes more pronounced towards the poles, where it exaggerates their sizes. This is known as the "Mercator distortion" and is a limitation of this projection.
So, when it comes to navigation near the equator, the Mercator Projection is the most useful due to its ability to accurately represent the shapes and sizes of features. Keep in mind, though, that for navigation purposes in other regions, different map projections may be more appropriate.
1 answer