The Fuller Projection emphasizes accurate representation of the relative size of Earth’s landmasses, but in so doing it distorts distance and compass direction heavily. Because of the difficulty of projecting a three-dimensional object (the Earth) onto a two-dimensional surface (a map) all maps must sacrifice one level of accuracy to emphasize another level.

The Peters Projection map emerged from the belief by some geographers that the Mercator Projection distorts the relative size of each continent and therefore makes some continents (Europe, North America, Asia, Antarctica) look larger than they are and makes other continents (Africa, South America) look smaller than they are. Accordingly this apparently makes people think these shrunk continents are less significant that they actually are. The Peters Projection aims to fix this mindset, particularly with regard to Africa. As it is partially based on political considerations the Peters Projection is naturally controversial.

A “cartogram” is the name given to a type of map in which land size is adjusted or distorted to reflect the relative size of some other aspect of a country. So in a cartogram in which the land size of countries are adjusted to reflect Gross Domestic Product the United States would be the largest; in a cartogram in which the land size of countries are adjusted to reflect population size China would be the largest.

“Prime Meridian” is where lines of longitude begin. It also informs time zones, so whenever you see that the East Coast of America is , this means it is  behind what is known as “Greenwich Mean Time.” Prime Meridian runs through Greenwich, in England. You might notice how when you look at a flat world map it looks like England is in the middle of the world, this is simply because at the time geography as a science really began to take off England and France were in control of the world and were therefore able to place themselves in the middle. England is, of course, not actually the center of the world.

A “cadastral map,” also known as a “cadastre,” is used to depict the value of land and property in a region. They are often used for the purpose of establishing land and property taxes.

“Choropleth” maps are maps that provide information using different shades and colors. So a map depicting population density might have regions colored red to demonstrate high density, orange to demonstrate medium density, and yellow to demonstrate low density.

The “Azimuthal” map projection depicts the Earth as centered around either the North or South Pole -most commonly an “Azimuthal” projection will be centered on the North Pole. The projection is used by the United Nations because it can categorically be described as unbiased towards any one nation or region.

Cartography incorporates science, aesthetics, and technique to communicate spatial information effectively (usually through maps). Cartography has a long, rich history that dates back to around 700 B.C.

A thematic map displays a unified information scheme. This map can give the viewer varying types of information such as religious affiliation or population age.

The term for a basic map is a reference map. This is the most common type of map and the type most people are familiar with.