Geometric distortion refers to the alteration of the shape or structure of an object, often caused by various factors such as lens imperfections or environmental conditions. This distortion can affect images, maps, or models, leading to inaccuracies in representation. For example, in photography, a wide-angle lens may cause straight lines to appear curved. In the context of geographic information systems (GIS), geometric distortion can impact the accuracy of spatial data. When mapping, distortions can arise from the projection methods used to represent the Earth's curved surface on a flat plane, potentially leading to misinterpretations of distances and areas.