The Mercator map is known for what characteristic?

The Mercator map is recognized for being a rectangular projection that maintains minimal distortion along the equator. This characteristic allows for straight lines to represent constant compass directions, making it particularly useful for maritime navigation. While the projection skews the size of landmasses as one moves away from the equator, this trade-off provides valuable benefits for navigators seeking to plot straight-line courses on the map. The rectangular nature of the Mercator projection also enables easy use of grid systems for establishing geographic coordinates.