Which projection is noted for preserving shapes and their relative arrangement with low distortion but weak in directional accuracy?

Which projection is noted for preserving shapes and their relative arrangement with low distortion but weak in directional accuracy?

• A. Robinson Projection
• B. Goode's Homolosine Projection
• C. Mollweide Projection
• D. Gnomonic Projection

Answer: (C)

Distortion trade-offs in map projections mean you can’t keep every property at once. The Mollweide projection is an equal-area map, so it preserves the size of areas across the map. This focus helps keep the continents’ overall layout and their relative arrangement recognizable, with relatively gentle distortion to shapes overall. However, it does not preserve directions or angles precisely, so directional accuracy is weak. Among the options, this balance—maintaining area and general layout while sacrificing exact bearings—fits the description best. The other projections prioritize different properties: Robinson aims for a pleasing overall view with mixed distortions, Goode’s Homolosine emphasizes area with interruptions, and Gnomonic preserves great-circle directions but badly distorts shapes away from the tangent point.

Distortion trade-offs in map projections mean you can’t keep every property at once. The Mollweide projection is an equal-area map, so it preserves the size of areas across the map. This focus helps keep the continents’ overall layout and their relative arrangement recognizable, with relatively gentle distortion to shapes overall. However, it does not preserve directions or angles precisely, so directional accuracy is weak. Among the options, this balance—maintaining area and general layout while sacrificing exact bearings—fits the description best. The other projections prioritize different properties: Robinson aims for a pleasing overall view with mixed distortions, Goode’s Homolosine emphasizes area with interruptions, and Gnomonic preserves great-circle directions but badly distorts shapes away from the tangent point.