How Map Projections Flatten the Earth
How do we turn a 3D Earth into a 2D map?
This short animation shows the basic idea behind a cylindrical map projection—and why some form of distortion is unavoidable when we flatten a curved Earth onto a flat surface.
We created this visualization with Google Flow as part of our teaching materials on GIS, map design, and spatial intelligence.
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Video Summary
AI GeneratedThis video explains the concept of map projection, specifically how projecting a spherical Earth onto a flat cylinder creates visual distortions. It highlights how landmasses near the poles, such as Greenland, appear disproportionately larger than they are in reality compared to regions like Africa.