why is a globe more accurate than a flat map?
Peel an orange.
Can you flatten the segments out? What happens?
Because you can't flatten it out and it is not a perfect square shape? Is that right? Thank you Ms. Sue
Yes, you're right.
You're welcome, Kirsten.
A globe is more accurate than a flat map because it is a three-dimensional representation of the Earth's surface in a spherical shape. Here's why:
1. Shape: The Earth is nearly spherical, so a globe closely matches its actual shape. A flat map, on the other hand, needs to project the curved surface onto a flat surface, leading to distortion of the landmasses.
2. Size: Accurately representing both the size and shape of different regions on a map is challenging. Most flat maps use certain map projections that distort either the size or shape of the landmasses. However, a globe maintains consistent proportions and accurately represents the relative sizes of continents and countries.
3. Distance: A globe gives a more accurate sense of distance between places. On a flat map, especially those with cylindrical or Mercator projections, the distances are distorted as you move away from the equator. This makes navigation and estimating travel distances less reliable.
4. Continents and Oceans: Globes accurately depict the relationship between land and water. Flat maps cannot show the true extent and shape of continents and oceans, often resulting in misrepresentation. For example, Greenland appears much larger on flat maps compared to its relative size on a globe.
To summarize, a globe provides a more accurate and faithful representation of the Earth because it preserves the planet's true shape, size, distance, and the relationship between land and water.