Question

How do map makers deal with distortions that come with flattening the three dimensiinal features of the earth??

Answer 1

The same applies to other reference surfaces used as models for the Earth. Since any mapprojection is a representation of one of those surfaces on a plane, all map projections distort. Every distinct map projection distortsin a distinct way. The study of map projections is the characterization of these distortions.

Answer 2

Answer:

Map projection is a way to flatten a globe's surface into a plane in order to make a map. This requires a systematic transformation of the latitudes and longitudes of locations from the surface of the globe into locations on a plane.[1] All projections of a sphere on a plane necessarily distort the surface in some way and to some extent. Depending on the purpose of the map, some distortions are acceptable and others are not; therefore, different map projections exist in order to preserve some properties of the sphere-like body at the expense of other properties. Every distinct map projection distorts in a distinct way, by definition. The study of map projections is the characterization of these distortions. There is no limit to the number of possible map projections.[2]:1 Projections are a subject of several pure mathematical fields, including differential geometry, projective geometry, and manifolds. However, "map projection" refers specifically to a cartographic projection.