Question

Which of the following are true of flat maps? You may choose more than one answer.

A. Flat maps are great for calculating exact distance and directions.
B. Flat maps are often distorted.
C. Flat maps use lines of latitude and longitude to show the earth's curve.
D. Flat maps are difficult to tell the direction of a location.

Answer 1

Flat maps are often distorted, use lines of latitude and longitude to represent the Earth's grid, and their ability to depict accurate distances and directions varies with the map projection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Flat maps have certain characteristics and implications stemming from their two-dimensional nature. Firstly, flat maps are often distorted, particularly as they move further from the equator.

This is due to the challenge of representing the spherical Earth on a flat surface. In 1569, Gerardus Mercator developed a map projection that became widely used for navigation despite these distortions. Secondly, while flat maps do use lines of latitude and longitude to indicate the Earth's grid, they cannot show the Earth's curve literally; instead, the grid system represents the Earth's spherical surface on a flat plane. Lastly, it is not necessarily true that flat maps are difficult to tell the direction or that they are great for calculating exact distance and directions; the accuracy of distances and directions can vary greatly depending on the type of map projection used.