map projection
Flattening the globe
A map projection is a method for representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat plane.
Every projection distorts some combination of area, shape, distance, or direction—the choice depends on what accuracy matters most for the map's purpose.
The Mercator projection exaggerates landmasses near the poles.
Common types include cylindrical, conic, and azimuthal projections.
Maintaining proportional surface representation
- conformalMaintains angles locally
- equidistantEqually far from each
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- azimuthalConcerning horizontal angular direction
cylindrical · conic · planar · interrupted · aspect · tangent · secant · scale factor
Points of similarity
- meridiansPole-to-pole geographic lines
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
- longitudeEast-west angular distance
- equatorMidpoint circle of rotation
prime meridian · coordinate system · datum · ellipsoid · geoid · sphere · graticule · grid
Cylindrical cartographic projection
Determining position and course
- nautical chartsMaps for sea navigation
- world mapsGeographic depictions of Earth
- regional mapsGeographic depictions of areas
- GISSpatial data framework
atlas · topographic maps · flight planning · Google Maps · satellite imagery
Extending muscles or material
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- great circleMaximum spherical circumference
- geodesicShortest curved-surface path
equal-area
Maintaining proportional surface representation
- conformalMaintains angles locally
- equidistantEqually far from each
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
azimuthal · cylindrical · conic · planar · interrupted · aspect · tangent · secant · scale factor
parallels
Points of similarity
- meridiansPole-to-pole geographic lines
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
- longitudeEast-west angular distance
equator · prime meridian · coordinate system · datum · ellipsoid · geoid · sphere · graticule · grid · WGS84
Mercator
Cylindrical cartographic projection
navigation
Determining position and course
- nautical chartsMaps for sea navigation
- world mapsGeographic depictions of Earth
- regional mapsGeographic depictions of areas
GIS · atlas · topographic maps · flight planning · Google Maps · satellite imagery
stretching
Extending muscles or material
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- great circleMaximum spherical circumference
- geodesicShortest curved-surface path
- map featurescompass, compass rose, legend, scale, scale bar
- navigationcompass, compass rose, signs, charts, navbar
- projectionsazimuthal, Mercator, orthographic, stereographic, cylindrical
- cartographymaps, world map, atlas, globes, cartographers
- mapmakingcartographer, map scales, mapmaker, compass rose, map scale
- antique mapsworld map, atlas, cartographer, Mercator, mapmaker
map projectionglobe
Spherical representation of landmasses
terrestrial globe · celestial globe · 3D model · geographic coordinates
projecting, projection, projected, projector, map projections