What is the main advantage of using a spheroid model over a sphere model?

Using a spheroid model provides a better representation of the Earth's surface compared to a sphere model because the Earth is not a perfect sphere—it is an oblate spheroid. This means that it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. A spheroid accounts for these variations in shape, making it more accurate for mapping and spatial analysis.

When utilizing a spherical model, the simplifications made can lead to inaccuracies, particularly in calculations involving distances and areas. For many applications, such as navigation, land surveying, and GIS analysis, these inaccuracies can have significant consequences. By adopting a spheroidal model, GIS professionals can produce more precise measurements and analyses that reflect the actual contours and characteristics of the Earth, therefore enhancing the reliability of the data they work with.

The advantage of better representation lies in its ability to provide more accurate positional data and effective analysis outcomes in various applications, particularly for large scales or extensive geographic areas where the curvature of the Earth plays a more critical role.