A map projection is used to portray all or part of the round Earth on a flat surface. This cannot be done without some distortion. For example, the basic Mercator projection is unique; it yields the only map on which a straight line drawn anywhere within its bounds shows a particular type of direction, but distances and areas are grossly distorted near the map's polar regions. It was introduced by Geradus Mercator in 1569.

Gerardus Mercator
The Mercator projection was developed in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator as a navigation tool.

Gerardus Mercator
The map projection that bears his name he first used in 1569. He is also the first to use the term 'atlas' for a collection of maps.

Renaissance Mapmaker
Gerhard Kremer, or Gerardus Mercator was the leading mapmaker of the 15th Century.

Related Information
Belgian Inventors
Nicholas Copernicus - Globes
Armillary Sphere

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