The document provides a 4-step process for determining what type of map is needed for textbooks: 1. Decide on the map projection based on whether focusing on a pole or showing a region like the US. Common projections include planar, conic, and cylindrical. 2. Understand key map tools like interruptions, latitude and longitude grids, centering techniques, and distortion measurements. 3. Choose a specific projection type like Mercator, Robinson, or Polar depending on needs. 4. Select a map database like Living Earth for satellite images, Political for government studies, or Physical for topographical details.

1. Maps-R-Us
How to decide what map you need
for your textbooks in 4 easy steps!

2. • Determine what projection
you need
– Planar
• Used for focusing on one of
the poles
– Conic
• Handy for showing the U.S.
results in a smile shape
– Cylindrical
• The most famous, this
projection is most accurate
near the Equator and greatly
distorted near the Poles.

3. • Understand map tools
– Interruptions
• Focuses on land, but distorts the sea.
– Latitude and Longitude
• Shows a grid that tells coordinates
– Centering
• Almost as if it is a 2-D globe
– Tissot’s Indicatrix
• Measures distortion

4. • Determine specific projection
– Mercator
• Rectangular
– Robinson
• Shows landforms
– Polar
• Shows the poles

5. • Determine database
– Living Earth
• Real life satellite pictures
– Political
• Used for studying governmental affairs
– Physical
• Includes ridges
*Example pictures are all using “Mercator” from step 3.

6. Now order what maps you need for
your textbooks today!
Call: 41-41-41