The full question is:
Why is a globe more accurate than a flat map in representing the earths surface?
What happens when you try to flatten an orange peel?
You have gaps at the ends. A flat map compensates for these gaps by either extending these areas or leaving gaps in the map.
We did peel an orange. What a great visual!! Would not have thought to do that! Thank you so much!
You're very welcome.
A globe is more accurate than a flat map in representing the Earth's surface because it is a three-dimensional representation of the planet. Here's why:
1. Curvature of the Earth: The Earth is a sphere, and a globe accurately represents this shape. On a flat map, in an attempt to represent the curved surface of the Earth, distortions occur. These distortions result in a loss of accuracy in terms of shape, size, and distance. To visualize how this works, imagine trying to flatten an orange peel without tearing it. The resulting map would be distorted and irregular.
2. Distortion of Mercator Projections: One of the most commonly used flat map projections is the Mercator projection. While it is useful for navigational purposes, it significantly distorts the sizes and shapes of landmasses, especially near the poles. Green, a continent in the northern hemisphere, appears substantially larger on the Mercator projection than it actually is. Similarly, areas near the equator, like Africa and South America, are distorted in their sizes relative to other continents. On a globe, these distortions are eliminated, and each landmass is represented more accurately in relation to its true size and shape.
3. Visualizing Earth's Features: A globe allows for a more realistic representation of Earth's oceans, mountain ranges, and other physical features. It accurately portrays the curvature and roundness of the planet, providing a clearer understanding of its geography. On a flat map, these features might appear distorted or compressed, leading to a loss of visual accuracy.
To understand the difference between a globe and a flat map, you can conduct a simple experiment. Take an orange or a ball and try to flatten its surface. Notice how the spherical shape distorts when it becomes flat, just as the Earth's surface does when projected onto a two-dimensional map. This experiment helps visualize why a globe is the more accurate representation of our planet.