World Map Projections
Maps shape our understanding and perception of the world. In an increasingly interconnected and global economy, this geographic knowledge is more important than ever. "In our society we unconsciously equate size with importance and even power" – Salvatore Natoli, Educational Affairs Director, American Association of Geographers (AAG)
The challenge of any world map is to represent a round earth on a flat surface. Map projections are a way of transcribing the round, three-dimensional surface of the Earth onto a flat, two-dimensional surface. As a result, at least one of four elements are skewed in some way: Directions, distances, shapes and/or areas. The type and degree of distortion depends on the map projection used.
The challenge of any world map is to represent a round earth on a flat surface. Map projections are a way of transcribing the round, three-dimensional surface of the Earth onto a flat, two-dimensional surface. As a result, at least one of four elements are skewed in some way: Directions, distances, shapes and/or areas. The type and degree of distortion depends on the map projection used.
- Conformal - if the projection adheres faithfully to the shape of the feature
- Equidistant - if the projection truthfully indicates all distances
- Azimuthal, or true direction - if the projection fully preserves direction
- Equal area - If the projection indicates the actual area of the feature
Video: Why Most World Maps Are Wrong - YouTube [5:48]
Mercator Projection
1569 by Gerardus Mercator (Belgian geographer and cartographer).
Cylindrical projection. Most popular map projection. First world maps based on the Mercator projection were produced by European colonialists. |
Pros:
Cons:
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Peters Projection (aka Gall-Peters)
1974 by Dr. Arno Peters (German historian and cartographer).
Cylindrical projection. Equal-area map. UNESCO promotes the use of this projection, and this option is widely used in British schools. |
Pros:
Cons:
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Mollweide Projection
Visual Capitalist. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/problem-with-our-maps/
1805 by Karl Mollweide (mathematician and astronomer).
Equal-area, pseudocylindrical map.
This projection distorts shape and accuracy of angles but preserves relative area and accuracy of proportion.
Equal-area, pseudocylindrical map.
This projection distorts shape and accuracy of angles but preserves relative area and accuracy of proportion.
Goode's Homolosine Projection
Visual Capitalist. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/problem-with-our-maps/
By John Paul Goode.
Equal-area, pseudocylindrical map.
Sometimes referred to as an 'orange peel map'.
Added interruptions at strategic locations to help reduce the distortion of continents.
Equal-area, pseudocylindrical map.
Sometimes referred to as an 'orange peel map'.
Added interruptions at strategic locations to help reduce the distortion of continents.
Dymaxion Projection
Visual Capitalist. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/problem-with-our-maps/
1946 by Buckminster Fuller.
Continents are no longer in their familiar positions.
Able to see the true proportions of Africa, Northern Canada, Antarctica and other distortion hot spots.
Continents are no longer in their familiar positions.
Able to see the true proportions of Africa, Northern Canada, Antarctica and other distortion hot spots.
Sources:
ArcGIS. About Map Projections. https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/map/projections/about-map-projections.htm
Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/Mercator-projection
The COnversation. Five Maps That Will Change How You See The World. https://theconversation.com/five-maps-that-will-change-how-you-see-the-world-74967
Visual Capitalist. The Problem With Our Maps. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/problem-with-our-maps/
ArcGIS. About Map Projections. https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/map/projections/about-map-projections.htm
Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/Mercator-projection
The COnversation. Five Maps That Will Change How You See The World. https://theconversation.com/five-maps-that-will-change-how-you-see-the-world-74967
Visual Capitalist. The Problem With Our Maps. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/problem-with-our-maps/