To Show Earth's Curved Surface on a Flat Map: Mapmakers Choose Different Projections

Mapmaking is an art that has been practiced for centuries, and one of the biggest challenges mapmakers face is how to accurately represent the curved surface of the earth on a flat piece of paper. To show earth's curved surface on a flat map, mapmakers choose different projections that allow them to flatten out the globe while preserving its essential features.

The maps in this exhibition are a testament to the creativity and skill of mapmakers who have developed various techniques to project the earth's surface onto a two-dimensional plane. Some of these projections, such as Azimuthal and Polyconic, may sound like strange names, but they are actually clever solutions to a complex problem.

But just how do mapmakers manage to flatten out the curved surface of the earth? The answer lies in understanding the process of projection. When we try to flatten out an orange peel, we quickly realize that it's not as easy as it looks. We have to squish and tear and move all the pieces around until they fit together perfectly on a flat surface. Similarly, mapmakers use a variety of techniques to project the earth's surface onto a flat plane.

One way to appreciate the complexity of mapmaking is to imagine creating a globe that is large enough to show every detail of our planet in high resolution. Unfortunately, such a globe would be impractically huge! That's why cartographers rely on projections to compress and distort the earth's surface while still retaining its essential features.

In the past, mapmakers used globes as a reference point when creating maps. A collection of globes from the late 19th century is an excellent example of how mapmaking has evolved over time. These globes provide valuable insights into the techniques and tools that cartographers used in the past to create accurate and beautiful representations of our world.

In conclusion, showing the earth's curved surface on a flat map requires careful consideration and creativity. Mapmakers have developed various projections that allow them to flatten out the globe while preserving its essential features. By understanding the process of projection, we can appreciate the complexity and beauty of mapmaking, and gain a new perspective on our place in the world.

To show earth's curved surface on a flat map mapmakers choose different