Karttaprojektiot

Karttaprojektiot, or map projections, are methods used to represent the three-dimensional surface of the Earth or a portion of it on a two-dimensional plane, such as a map. Because the Earth is a sphere (or more accurately, an oblate spheroid), it is impossible to flatten its surface perfectly onto a flat map without some form of distortion. Map projections introduce this distortion in a controlled way, choosing to preserve certain properties at the expense of others.

There are numerous types of map projections, each with its own mathematical formula and resulting characteristics. Some common types include cylindrical, conical, and azimuthal projections. Cylindrical projections, like the Mercator projection, are often used for maps of the world, but they distort areas, especially near the poles. Conical projections are typically used for mapping mid-latitude regions, and azimuthal projections are best suited for showing areas around a central point, like polar regions.

The choice of projection depends heavily on the intended use of the map. For navigation, projections that preserve direction (conformal) are important, even if they distort area. For thematic maps showing population density or resource distribution, projections that preserve area (equal-area) are preferred, even if shapes are distorted. Understanding the properties and limitations of different map projections is crucial for accurately interpreting geographic information and avoiding misconceptions about the Earth's surface.