Question

Why would a scale be helpful when trying to determine distances on a physical map? Why do mapmakers have to choose between showing the correct land shapes or distances on the Earth?

Answer 1

Answer:

The ability to use a map scale is one of the most basic and important map skills. ... Students who understand that map scale represents real distances on Earth, and can use map scales to calculate distances, will also better understand the world in spatial terms.

The mapmakers have to make this choice because of the shape of our planet and because there is still not a method as to how to have both the land shapes and distances to be precise at the same time.