Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Different Strokes for Different Folks: A World of
Projections
If you are a veteran map-gawker, you know that all world maps don't look the same. And if you're
not, then look again at Figures 4-2 and 4-3. Figure 4-2 looks something like a rectangle, shows the
entire Earth, and is centered on the intersection of the Equator and Prime Meridian. Figure 4-3 is a
circle, shows only the Northern Hemisphere, and is centered on the North Pole. As mentioned earlier,
the two maps offer contrasts with respect to the ways maps lie: distance, direction, shape, and size.
The appearances in the maps differ because of different kinds of projections. That is, the maps are
products of different methods of transferring the curved globe to a flat surface. Over the years, car-
tographers have developed literally dozens of different projections. Most maps are accurate and/or
visually pleasing in some respects, although inaccurate or visually displeasing in other respects.
At this point, you may feel like saying, “Look, Charlie, why don't you spare me the details?
Just tell me which projection is the best one so we can move on to the next chapter.” I wish
it were that simple; I really do. But the simple fact is that a winning projection doesn't exist.
Every projection has good points and bad points. The trick is to know the pluses and minuses
of particular projections so that choosing the best map for specific purposes is easier. It really
is a case of different strokes for different folks, or at least different projections for specific
situations.
If you're starting to think that this is a somewhat arcane field of study, well, you're right. As a novice
geographer, you don't need to commit map projections to memory. (I know several professors of geo-
graphy who don't go near this stuff!) What is important, however, is that you appreciate the variety
and complexity of map projections and understand that even though all flat maps lie, some do a pretty
good job of showing all or part of Earth.
All in the (map) family
Generally speaking, mapprojections belongtooneofthree families: azimuthal, cylindrical, andconic
(see Figure 4-4).
