A map projection is a systematic representation of all or part of of the Earth on a two-
dimensional surface, such as a flat sheet of paper. During this process some distortion of
distances, directions, scale, and area is inevitable. There are several different types of map
projections. No projection is free from all distortions, but each minimizes distortions in some of
the above properties, at the expense of leaving errors in others. For example, the commonly used
Transverse Mercator projection represents direction accurately, but distorts distance and area,
especially those farthest from the equator. Greenland, for example, appears to be much larger
than it really is. The Transverse Mercator projection is useful for navigation charts.