Equal-area projections are map projections that maintain the proportionality of areas across the globe. This means that regions on the map are represented in the same ratio to their actual size on Earth, allowing for accurate comparisons of area. Common examples include the Albers Equal-Area Conic and Mollweide projections. These projections distort shapes and angles to preserve area, which can lead to unusual representations of familiar places. While they are not ideal for navigation, equal-area projections are valuable for thematic mapping, such as population density or land use, where area comparison is crucial.