Mapmakers do not have to choose between showing the correct land shapes or distances on Earth. They can use different map projections to accurately represent both land shapes and distances. A map projection is a systematic way of representing the three-dimensional Earth on a two-dimensional surface. Different projections have different advantages and disadvantages, and mapmakers choose the projection that best suits the purpose of their map.

For example, the Mercator projection is a cylindrical projection that preserves the correct shape of landmasses but distorts their relative sizes. This projection is often used for navigation because it preserves the correct angles between lines of latitude and longitude. However, the Mercator projection also distorts the size of landmasses, making them appear larger near the poles than they actually are.

The Peters projection is an equal-area projection that preserves the correct relative sizes of landmasses but distorts their shapes. This projection is often used for thematic maps because it allows for a more accurate comparison of the sizes of different countries and regions. However, the Peters projection also distorts the shapes of landmasses, making them appear more compact than they actually are.

There are many other map projections besides the Mercator and Peters projections. Each projection has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and mapmakers choose the projection that best suits the purpose of their map.