Mapping involves making decisions about several elements and bringing them together to create a visual representation. There are many components to map design, each with their own theory, research agenda, and best practices. Each component works in synergy with each other, and the design process involves iterative feedback.
Mercator
The Mercator projection is a projection that has a similar shape to the globe but has a different orientation. This projection is used for maps that show a north-south plane. However, it does not preserve the lines on ellipsoids. The Mercator projection is commonly used for world maps and is the most commonly used projection on maps.
The Mercator projection was first created in the 1500s by Gerardus Mercator, who wanted to create maps that could be used to show accurate compass bearings while at sea. Today, it is the de facto standard for maps and online services, and is available in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop 8.0.
Conformal
A conformal map preserves angles, but not lengths. This is an important distinction for mapping. Conformal maps are very useful for locating locations. However, they can be tricky to create. To make this type of map, you need to use a good software tool. A conformal map is a great option if you have the right tools and software.
Conformal maps and mapping are often used for marine navigation. The Mercator projection and the stereographic projection are two examples of conformal maps. These maps are useful for marine navigation because they can represent a ship's course as a straight segment. A rhumb course, also known as loxodrome, is another example of a conformal map.
Equal-area
Equal-area mapping is an alternative to traditional globe maps. This projection is more accurate in depicting the area of the world. While some users complain that the Peters projection produces too much distortion, it does have some advantages. Its oblique central line is useful for depicting regions where longitude and latitude lines are not a straight line. It is especially suitable for regions near the Equator and with a primarily north-south extent.
Equal-area maps are useful in many applications. They can be used for general reference maps as well as statistical maps. Their primary disadvantage is the distortion of shapes. However, this can be mitigated by a method called interruption. This projection also allows for the representation of small areas of the globe.