EASA NAV(A)intermediate
Which set of properties describes a Mercator chart?
Answer
Scale increases with latitude; great circles curved; rhumb lines straight
Explanation
On a Mercator chart, **rhumb lines** appear straight, while most great circles curve. Scale increases with latitude, so distortion becomes increasingly significant toward the poles. **Key takeaway:** Mercator supports straight-line constant-bearing plotting, not undistorted scale at all latitudes. **Glossary:** Conformal projection: locally preserves angles and shapes.
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