Matching the Map Projection to the Need
A globe is the only representation of the earth that does
not distort its geometry -- except, of course, its size.
Unfortunately, for many purposes a globe is an
inconvenient way to display geographical relationships:
Significant concepts, such as constant directions, shortest
routes, and equal distances are difficult to measure on a
curving surface. Often we want to see the whole world, but
in looking at a globe we see only half. Finally, unless the
globe can be turned in all directions, it is difficult to look
directly at a region of interest.
