HISET Social Studies Practice

What characterizes a gnomic map?

1. It is projected onto flat paper from one point

2. It shows political divisions

3. It illustrates economic resources

4. It shows climate data

The correct answer is: It is projected onto flat paper from one point

A gnomic map is characterized by being projected onto flat paper from a single point, which is typically a sphere, like the Earth. This type of map is often used for specific purposes, such as navigation and plotting great circle routes, which are the shortest paths between two points on the globe. The unique projection method allows for accurate distance and direction measurements from the point of projection. However, it does distort shapes and areas as one moves away from that central point, which can be a limitation for general geographic analyses. Other choices describe different types of maps; for example, political maps prioritize boundary lines and territories, economic resource maps focus on resource allocation, and climate maps convey meteorological data. These do not align with the unique characteristics of a gnomic map's projection method.