What is a key benefit of map projections for navigation?

The key benefit of map projections for navigation is that direction is constant across the map. This characteristic is crucial for navigators who need to maintain a consistent course while traveling from one point to another, especially over long distances. Certain map projections, such as the Mercator projection, preserve angles and directions, allowing sailors and air navigators to plot a straight line and follow a constant compass bearing. This feature is essential for effective navigation since it ensures that travelers can accurately determine their direction relative to the Earth's surface.

While other options might touch on aspects related to maps, they do not highlight the primary functional benefit of directional consistency that is vital for navigation purposes. For instance, while some projections may offer detailed topography, this is not a defining advantage for navigational accuracy. Similarly, while map projections can help visualize landforms, the essence of navigation lies in their ability to provide a reliable direction. Thus, the accurate preservation of direction makes this the correct response concerning the benefits of map projections in navigation.