Which projection preserves the relative sizes of geographic areas?

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Multiple Choice

Which projection preserves the relative sizes of geographic areas?

Preserving the relative sizes of geographic areas relies on an equal-area projection. In these maps, the scale is adjusted so that areas on the map are proportional to their true areas on the globe, so one region that is larger in reality will look larger on the map by the correct amount, even if shapes become distorted. This makes it possible to compare land areas accurately across the map, which is the main benefit of this type of projection. Other projections trade area accuracy for other properties: conformal maps keep local shapes and angles but distort areas, equidistant maps preserve some distances but not overall area relationships, and a gnomonic projection emphasizes straight-line paths for great circles but does not preserve area at all.

Preserving the relative sizes of geographic areas relies on an equal-area projection. In these maps, the scale is adjusted so that areas on the map are proportional to their true areas on the globe, so one region that is larger in reality will look larger on the map by the correct amount, even if shapes become distorted. This makes it possible to compare land areas accurately across the map, which is the main benefit of this type of projection.

Other projections trade area accuracy for other properties: conformal maps keep local shapes and angles but distort areas, equidistant maps preserve some distances but not overall area relationships, and a gnomonic projection emphasizes straight-line paths for great circles but does not preserve area at all.

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