Class 11 Geography Chapter 4: Map Projections

Why are map projections necessary?

Map projections are necessary because it is impossible to accurately represent the 3D curved surface of the Earth on a 2D flat map without some distortion. Map projections allow us to create useful flat maps for navigation, planning, and analysis.

What are the three main properties of map projections?

The three main properties of map projections are:

  • Equivalence: Preserving the relative size of different areas
  • Conformality: Preserving the shape of small areas
  • Equidistance: Preserving accurate distances from the map center to other locations

What are the main types of map projections?

The main types of map projections are:

  • Cylindrical projections
  • Conical projections
  • Zenithal (azimuthal) projections

What are map projections?

Map projections are methods used to represent the Earth’s curved surface on a flat map.

Why are there different types of map projections?

Different projections exist because it’s impossible to accurately represent the Earth’s surface in two dimensions without distortion, leading to various projection methods suited for different purposes.



Chapter 4: Map Projections| Class 11 Geography Practical Work

The Earth is a 3D sphere, but maps need to be 2D. Map projections are mathematical transformations that convert the curved Earth’s surface to a flat map, though this inevitably involves some distortion.

In this article, we will look into the topic of Map Projections in detail.

Chapter 4: Map Projections| Class 11 Geography Practical Work

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Map Projections

Map projection is a method used to represent the spherical grid of latitude and longitude on a flat surface. It involves transforming the network of parallels and meridians onto a two-dimensional plane. While the Earth is not flat but rather geoid in shape, resembling a sphere, a globe serves as an accurate model of the Earth. On a globe, the continents, oceans, directions, and distances are accurately depicted, thanks to its spherical shape. The globe is divided by lines of latitude and longitude, with horizontal lines representing parallels of latitude and vertical lines representing meridians of longitude. This grid, known as the graticule, aids in map drawing. Projection involves the process of transferring this graticule onto a flat surface....

Need for Map Projections

The Earth is a sphere, but maps are flat. To transfer the 3D surface of the Earth onto a 2D map, we need to use a map projection. A map projection is a mathematical transformation that converts the curved surface of the Earth to a flat surface. This is necessary because it’s impossible to represent the entire curved surface of the Earth accurately on a flat map without some distortion. Map projections help us to create flat maps that are useful for navigation, planning, and analysis, even though they involve some distortion....

Elements of Map Projections

a. Reduced Earth: The concept of a “reduced earth” involves representing the Earth’s model on a flat surface with a scaled-down version of its dimensions. This model should ideally resemble a spheroid, with the length of the polar diameter shorter than the equatorial diameter. The network of latitude and longitude lines, known as the graticule, can then be transferred onto this model....

Classification of Map Projections

Drawing Techniques...

Constructing Some Selected Projections

Conical Projection with one Standard Parallel...

Limitations of Map Projections

No single map projection can accurately represent the entire curved surface of the Earth on a flat map without some distortion. All map projections involve trade-offs and compromises. Depending on the projection used, different properties like area, shape, distance or direction may be distorted....

Conclusion – Class 11 Geography Chapter 4: Map Projections

No single map projection can accurately represent the entire Earth without distortion. Mapmakers must choose the projection that best suits the map’s purpose, while understanding its limitations. Awareness of a projection’s strengths and weaknesses is key when interpreting and using maps....

FAQs on Class 11 Geography Chapter 4: Map Projections

Why are map projections necessary?...