What is the benefit of using a Mercator projection for navigation?

Using a Mercator projection for navigation is particularly beneficial because it allows for easy measuring of distance and direction. This projection is designed such that lines of latitude and longitude appear as straight lines, meaning that navigators can plot a course using a straightedge on a chart. This feature is extremely useful for determining the shortest path between two points, which is crucial for navigational accuracy.

Additionally, the Mercator projection preserves angles and shapes, allowing for true compass courses to be flown directly between two points. This makes it easier for sailors and pilots to navigate over long distances, as they can maintain a constant course using compass bearings with high accuracy.

Other options, while they may describe features or benefits of different projections, do not encapsulate the specific advantages provided by the Mercator projection in the context of navigation. For instance, while the projection does not provide a complete view of the globe (as it distorts areas at the poles), it is favored mainly for its practicality in distance and directional measurements.