Although globes are accurate, they are not as practical as two-dimensional, printed maps. This is why different map projections have been developed. Map projections strive to present things as accurately as possible on a two-dimensional plain, 

A world map that uses the Mercator projection.

The Mercator projection is a type of map projection that is widely used due to the fact that it reproduces the shapes of the continents accurately. However, the downside of the Mercator projection is that it makes areas near the two polar regions look larger than they actually are. For example, when using the Mercator projection, the Antarctic looks like the largest continent on the world. 


A world map that uses the Robinson projection.

In the Robinson projection, the surface areas are almost correct everywhere in the world, but the shapes of the continents are somewhat askew. Therefore, when studying a two-dimensional map, it is important to keep in mind that everything is not always presented completely accurately. Both the Mercator projection and the Robinson projection present the Antarctic inaccurately.

You can use the Seterra site to hone your skills in recognizing continents, nations, cities, flags, etc.

Seterra geography exercises​