Cartography is the ancient challenge of representing a spherical Earth on flat surfaces. Every map projection introduces distortion — in area, shape, distance, or direction — and choosing the right projection depends on the purpose. Modern cartography extends to satellite positioning, digital elevation models, and real-time navigation systems.
These simulations reveal the mathematics hidden inside every map and GPS device. Compare how different projections warp continents, generate topographic contour lines from elevation data, watch GPS trilateration pinpoint a location from satellite signals, convert between coordinate systems, and calculate great circle routes that airlines actually fly.