eli5 if maps are inaccurate because we can’t project spheres on 2d planes. what happens if we actually decide to map the earth “by hand”?

Question

Like let’s say that we start on the cape of goodwill for example and follow the coast.

Represent each 1km with 1mm for example on our map (map size isn’t a problem just for the sake of the argument). Getting the directions of drawing off a compass exactly. And just walk around all the coasts of the world.

What type of map do we end up with in this hypothetical?

In: 5

Answer 1

You’d end up with a discontinuous map.

The starts and ends of continents and other large land masses wouldn’t join up, by noticeable amounts. Technically even the outlines of small islands wouldn’t join up either, just the scale would mostly hide it.

You can do this at home with an orange. Draw a simple map on half of it, peel that half off and then flatten it. It’ll split in one or more places and your map lines will be discontinuous where they cross splits.