Mercator
noun
A type of map projection that represents continents and oceans with straight lines, useful for navigation but distorting sizes near the poles.
The Mercator projection is commonly used in marine maps for its ability to maintain accurate angles.
Often appears as...
- Mercator map
- Mercator projection
Usage tips
Formal
map projection, cylindrical projection, navigation map
proper noun
Referring to Gerardus Mercator, a 16th-century Flemish geographer whose work on map-making laid the foundation for modern navigation.
Gerardus Mercator is known for inventing the projection method that bears his name.
Often appears as...
- Mercator's maps
- Mercator's method
Usage tips
Formal
geographer, mapmaker, cartography
noun
A type of map projection that represents continents and oceans with straight lines, useful for navigation but distorting sizes near the poles.
The Mercator projection is commonly used in marine maps for its ability to maintain accurate angles.
Often appears as...
- Mercator map
- Mercator projection
Usage tips
Formal
map projection, cylindrical projection, navigation map
proper noun
Referring to Gerardus Mercator, a 16th-century Flemish geographer whose work on map-making laid the foundation for modern navigation.
Gerardus Mercator is known for inventing the projection method that bears his name.
Often appears as...
- Mercator's maps
- Mercator's method
Usage tips
Formal
geographer, mapmaker, cartography
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Mapping Techniques
Understanding how a Mercator map distorts distance can help in navigation.
In navigation, the Mercator map keeps angles intact but stretches land areas near the poles.
Pro Tip 2/3Geography Context
In geography classes, the Mercator projection is often discussed due to its ascribed utility and drawbacks.
Be aware of how Mercator affects perceptions of size on a world map.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical References
Researching the origin of the Mercator projection can enrich your understanding of its historical significance.
Historical maps using the Mercator projection show the world as it was once understood.
Pro Tip 1/3Mapping Techniques
Understanding how a Mercator map distorts distance can help in navigation.
In navigation, the Mercator map keeps angles intact but stretches land areas near the poles.
Pro Tip 2/3Geography Context
In geography classes, the Mercator projection is often discussed due to its ascribed utility and drawbacks.
Be aware of how Mercator affects perceptions of size on a world map.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical References
Researching the origin of the Mercator projection can enrich your understanding of its historical significance.
Historical maps using the Mercator projection show the world as it was once understood.
Pro Tip 1/3Mapping Techniques
Understanding how a Mercator map distorts distance can help in navigation.
In navigation, the Mercator map keeps angles intact but stretches land areas near the poles.
Pro Tip 2/3Geography Context
In geography classes, the Mercator projection is often discussed due to its ascribed utility and drawbacks.
Be aware of how Mercator affects perceptions of size on a world map.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical References
Researching the origin of the Mercator projection can enrich your understanding of its historical significance.
Historical maps using the Mercator projection show the world as it was once understood.
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