map projection

map projection

1. the scientific method of transferring locations on Earth's surface to a flat map

2. types of distortions

   • shape
     • the shape of an area can be distorted so that it appears more elongated or squat in reality
   • distance
     • the distance between two points may become increased or decreased
   • relative size
     • the relative size of different areas maybe altered, so that one area may appear larger than another on a map.
   • direction
     • the direction from one place to another can be distorted

3. US Land Ordinance of 1785

   • divided much of the country into a system of townships and ranges to facilitate the sale of land to settler in the land.