As a map user you must be cognizant of some of the key characteristics of transforming or projecting the earth's roughly spherical shape onto a flat plane.
Projections influence our perception a great deal.
Furthermore, map projections are a compromise. So far it is mathematically impossible to make a perfect transformation. Conformality, distance, direction, scale, and area cannot all be correct on any one projection. Therefore, you as a map user and interpreter must realize what the intended use is or what the cartographer deems important. Map projections can distort to a great extent our perception of reality.