A definition for a map projection
Both a method of mapping a large area and the result of doing so. The Earth is a sphere; a map is flat, so that it is impossible to produce a map which combines true shape, true bearing, and true distance. ‘The usefulness of a particular map projection and the justification behind its transformation from a three-dimensional spherical surface to a two-dimensional plane surface is all too often judged from the aesthetic or suspicious eye of a naïve map reader rather than by the science behind its creation’ (M. Monmonier 2004). See also Monmonier (2005) PHG 29, 2.
Mercator’s projection exaggerates the size of the northern continents; it has been criticized as overemphasizing the importance of Europe and North America, although such was not Mercator’s intention. No projection is perfect: for example, Mollweide’s and Peters’ are equal area projections (correct in area), but distort shapes. Azimuthal projections show true direction; gnomic projections show the shortest straight-line distance between two points; orthographic projections convey the effect of a globe. Interrupted projections show the Earth as a series of segments joined only along the equator. Details of the projection used are given below each map in a good atlas.
Finding resources in the Library's collections
The subject headings available include "map projection" for general information about projections or under a named projection such as "Mercator projection" or "Peters projection."
- map projectionThe call number range for map projections is GA 110 through GA 115 on Berry Level 4.
- Choosing a world map: attributes, distortions, classes, aspects byCall Number: Evans Map Room GA 110 .R57 1988ISBN: 9780961345921
Flattening the earth: two thousand years of map projections by Call Number: Baker-Berry GA 110 .S576 1993ISBN: 9780226767468As long as there have been maps, cartographers have grappled with the impossibility of portraying the earth in two dimensions. To solve this problem mapmakers have created hundreds of map projections, mathematical methods for drawing the round earth on a flat surface. Yet of the hundreds of existing projections, and the infinite number that are theoretically possible, none is perfectly accurate. Flattening the Earth is the first detailed history of map projections since 1863. John P. Snyder discusses and illustrates the hundreds of known projections created from 500 B.C. to the present, emphasizing developments since the Renaissance and closing with a look at the variety of projections made possible by computers. ...
Map projections: a reference manual by Call Number: Baker-Berry GA 110 .B93 1995ISBN: 9780748403042Map projection concerns the science of mathematical cartography, the techniques by which the Earth's dimensions, shape and features are translated in map form, be that two-dimensional paper or two- or three- dimensional electronic representations. The central focus of this book is on the theory of map projections. Mathematical cartography also takes in map scales and their variation, the division of maps into sets of sheets and nomenclature, and addresses the problems of making measurements and conducting investigations which make use of geodetic measurements and the development of graphical methods for solving problems of spherical trigonometry, marine- and aeronavigation, astronomy and even crystallography.
Working with map projections: a guide to their selection by Call Number: Baker-Berry GA 110 .K47 2019ISBN: 9781138304987A map projection fundamentally impacts the mapmaking process. Working with Map Projections: A Guide to Their Selection explains why, for any given map, there isn't a single "best" map projection. Selecting a projection is a matter of understanding the compromises and consequences of showing a 3-D space in two dimensions. ...
- Many ways to see the world byCall Number: Jones Media DVD #6684Presents a fascinating exploration into the minds of twelve mapmakers. Discover how their unique backgrounds, philosophies, values, and politics led each to select a particular mathematical formula to create their maps. Learn about the impact those world images have had on us, consciously and unconsciously.
Map projections: cartographic information systems by Call Number: Baker-Berry GA 110 .G75 2014 v.1 -ISBN: 9783642364938In the context of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) the book offers a timely review of map projections.
Rhumb lines and map wars: a social history of the Mercator projection by Call Number: Baker-Berry GA 115 .M66 2004ISBN: 9780226534312In Rhumb Lines and Map Wars, Mark Monmonier offers an insightful, richly illustrated account of the controversies surrounding Flemish cartographer Gerard Mercator's legacy. He takes us back to 1569, when Mercator announced a clever method of portraying the earth on a flat surface, creating the first projection to take into account the earth's roundness. ...
Internet resource(s)
- How are different map projections used? from the U.S. Geological Survey
The method used to portray a part of the spherical Earth on a flat surface, whether a paper map or a computer screen, is called a map projection. No flat map can rival a globe in truly representing the surface of the entire Earth, so every flat map misrepresents the surface of the Earth in some way. ... - Map projectionsThis page lets you see how projections change depending on what aspects are preserved.
- Map projections from Paul B. AndersonThe world we live in is a round globe. Small areas on it, of course, are so nearly flat, one cannot tell the difference.
- Map projections from Paul H. DanaMap projections are attempts to portray the surface of the earth or a portion of the earth on a flat surface. Some distortions of conformality, distance, direction, scale, and area always result from this process. Some projections minimize distortions in some of these properties at the expense of maximizing errors in others. Some projection are attempts to only moderately distort all of these properties. ...
Keeping up with Cartography/GIS journal literature
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