Which one of the following is not an equal area projection ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option 3: Polyconic. Here's why:

*   **Why Polyconic is NOT an equal area projection:** Polyconic projections are *not* equal area. They are designed to preserve shape and distance along the central meridian and along each parallel of latitude. However, this comes at the expense of area distortion, especially away from the central meridian. The scale is true along the central meridian and along each parallel, but it is not true elsewhere. This varying scale inherently distorts area.

*   **Why the other options ARE equal area projections:**

*   **Mollweide:** The Mollweide projection *is* an equal-area, pseudocylindrical map projection. It is specifically designed to preserve area at the expense of shape and angular relationships. It's often used for world maps showing global distributions.

*   **Bonne:** The Bonne projection *is* an equal-area, pseudoconical map projection. It preserves area accurately. It's a modified conical projection where the central parallel is true to scale and all other areas are projected relative to it, maintaining equal area.

*   **Sanson Flamsteed:** The Sanson Flamsteed projection *is* an equal-area, pseudocylindrical map projection. It's also known as the sinusoidal projection. It represents areas accurately, although it distorts shapes, particularly towards the outer edges of the map.