Draw an equator on the balloon with permanent marker.If you would like, use the permanent marker and label the top of the balloon with an "N" and the knot with an "S." This will remind you where the each pole is located.The top of the balloon and the knot represent the North and South poles, respectively. Blow up the balloon to about half full and tie it. You will use a balloon to represent Earth in this activity.Two assistants (The activity can be done alone but is easier with assistants.).Cardboard piece, 20-by-25 centimeters or larger (It should be either thick cardboard or two layers of regular cardboard so the pushpins do not stick through.).Permanent marker (medium-thick works best).Bottle cap (such as one from a plastic water bottle).Medium-size balloon (for example, a 12-inch balloon).Surface covered with butcher paper or other protective material.You will be surprised how your circles look on your flat map! Materials You will draw identically sized circles all over your "Earth" (a balloon), create a projection similar to a type of projection called a Mercator projection, and study how the circles are distorted in area, shape and distance on the flat map. You will do something similar in this activity. Scientists use a Tissot's indicatrix to quantify distortions that are introduced when creating a map. How do they do it? There are several ways it can be done, but every type of projection distorts reality in some way. Cartographers (mapmakers) have found various ways to create flat maps of the world. Try this activity and see how cartographers today could have helped explorers of the past!Ĭreating a map of a small area might be relatively easy making a flat map of the full Earth, however, is a completely different challenge. None can represent reality exactly but each is useful for specific purposes. But Earth itself is round, so how do you create an accurate flat map? Throughout history cartographers around the world have found different methods for creating flat maps of Earth. Have you ever spent time looking at a world map and imagined traveling to distant locations? Maybe you see yourself drawing your own map of your new discoveries and your journeys along the way.
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