explain the , map is not drawn to scale
When it is said that a map is not drawn to scale, it means that the distances and proportions represented on the map are not a true reflection of the actual sizes and distances in the real world.
Maps are two-dimensional representations of the Earth's surface, which is a three-dimensional object. To represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map, cartographers use mathematical techniques to project the globe onto a flat surface. However, due to the inherent distortion caused by this process, it is impossible to accurately represent the Earth's curved surface on a flat map.
Therefore, cartographers make choices on how to prioritize certain features, such as the accuracy of shapes, distances, or areas. Depending on the purpose of the map, different projection methods are used, and these projections can distort the shape, size, or distance of certain areas.
As a result, maps are typically labeled with scale bars or ratios to indicate the degree of distortion or reduction in size between the map and the actual Earth. This allows the map reader to understand that the map is not an exact representation of reality in terms of distances and proportions, but rather a simplified and distorted version.