Q. Which among the following is the standard map projection for nautical purposes (suitable for showing sea routes)?
Answer: Mercator projection
Notes: Mercator projection is the standard map projection for nautical purposes. It was created in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator for navigational purposes. The Mercator projection is widely used for navigation charts because any straight line on a Mercator projection map is a line of constant true bearing. This enables a navigator to plot a straight-line course. The Mercator projection is uniquely suited to marine navigation because it maps trajectories of constant bearing (called rhumb lines or loxodromes) to straight lines. Courses and bearings are measured using a compass rose or protractor, and the corresponding directions are easily transferred from point to point. The Mercator projection became popular because it shows relative sizes accurately and is useful for navigation.
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