eli5: Why world map on google is distorted when completely zoomed out (near pole area being spread and near equator being squeezed) but not when zoomed in?

Question

Is it because the distortion isn’t visible at minute scale? I am of the opinion that distortion should be observable enough even when zoomed out as we go towards poles.

In: Earth Science

Answer 1

It’s impossible to have a 2D projection of a 3D globe without cutting or distorting it in some way. Most maps choose distortion.

This has the effect of making places nearer the equator look smaller and regions near the poles look bigger.

As you said, the effect isn’t visible on a local scale, it’s basically only on the scale of continents that it’s big enough to be noticeable.

[here’s a good video about map projections](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtBV3GgQLg8)