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The Mercator Projection World Map

The Mercator Projection World Map is one of the oldest projections still in use today. Schools worldwide use it because of its simplicity and ease of use. Here at Conquest Maps, we’ve had our Mercator maps for sale since we began offering personalized travel maps!

Origin of the Mercator Projection Map

Map projections are used to create a two-dimensional representation of our three-dimensional world. The earliest projections were created in the 6th century BC. While not the oldest, the Mercator Projection has been in use since its creation in 1569 by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator.

Due to the fact that it had lines of constant true direction (meaning, north is straight up from any point on the map), it quickly became wildly popular for navigation. In fact, it remains one of the most popular map projections in use today.

How to Tell if The Mercator Map is Right For You

At Conquest Maps, we want to make sure you get just the right push pin travel map based on your decor and your needs. If decor is your most important factor, consider the style you’re most interested in.

The Mercator Projection maps feature a rectangular shape and multiple color options that lend themselves well to more modern decor. The Winkel Tripel Projection has an old-world feel to it, lending itself well to a more rich, classic decor.

When planning your travels, consider the Mercator projection if your adventures will keep you closer to the equator in places such as Indonesia. It’s these locations where the map tends to be the most accurate.

If you are planning on traveling to locations closer to the poles, the Winkel Tripel will give you a less distorted idea of your excursions to these locations than the Mercator. Whichever choice you make, plan your next adventure with a Mercator Projection map, now for sale at Conquest Maps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Mercator Projection influence the representation of my traveled destinations on push pin travel maps?

The Mercator Projection allows for clear and recognizable representations of destinations around the world. However, regions closer to the poles may appear larger than they are in reality. This means that a trip to Greenland, for instance, might seem more expansive on the Mercator map compared to equatorial destinations.

Can I accurately gauge the distance between my traveled places on a Mercator Projection map?

While Mercator world maps maintain consistent compass directions, which is beneficial for navigation, they aren’t always accurate for determining distances, especially over long stretches. Personalized maps provide a visually appealing way to mark travel, but for precise distances, especially near the poles, supplementary resources might be needed.

Is it possible to request a different projection for my travel map?

While the Mercator Projection is commonly used for its recognizable layout and navigational consistency, some travelers may prefer different projections like the Winkel Tripel Projection to represent their journeys.