Which map projection property ensures that areas on the map are proportional to actual areas on Earth?

Which map projection property ensures that areas on the map are proportional to actual areas on Earth?

• A. Equal-area
• B. Equidistant
• C. Rhumb line
• D. The dimensions of a sector

Answer: (A)

An equal-area projection is designed so that the size of every region on the map is proportional to its true size on Earth. That means if one country covers twice as much area in reality as another, it will appear about twice as large on the map, even though its shape might be distorted. The key idea is preserving relative areas, not preserving shapes, distances, or bearings.

Other ideas describe different properties. Equidistant maps aim to keep certain distances accurate, but not all areas proportional. A rhumb line is a path of constant compass direction used in navigation, not a property about area preservation. The remaining option isn’t a standard projection property.