Which property is preserved by a conformal projection such as Mercator?

Which property is preserved by a conformal projection such as Mercator?

• A. Area
• B. Shape (angles)
• C. Distance
• D. Color

Answer: (B)

Conformal map projections preserve local angles. In a projection like Mercator, the scale is the same in every direction at any location, so tiny shapes map with their angles intact. A small patch on the globe keeps its shape on the map, even though its size can be greatly distorted toward the poles. That angle-preserving property is why Mercator is useful for navigation. However, it does not keep area or distance—the map stretches areas away from the equator and distances on the map don’t correspond to true distances. Color isn’t something a projection preserves.

Conformal map projections preserve local angles. In a projection like Mercator, the scale is the same in every direction at any location, so tiny shapes map with their angles intact. A small patch on the globe keeps its shape on the map, even though its size can be greatly distorted toward the poles. That angle-preserving property is why Mercator is useful for navigation. However, it does not keep area or distance—the map stretches areas away from the equator and distances on the map don’t correspond to true distances. Color isn’t something a projection preserves.