Cartography is the science of map-making. It comprises many problems and techniques, including:
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South America in selected projections at identical scale. Which projection is best? Which is right? The short answer is none, at least not all the time. Even if a single projection is used, just switching the aspect can also radically reshape the continents. |
One important concern of cartography is solving how to project, i.e. transfer points from an almost spherical lump of rock (our Earth) onto flat surfaces, either paper pages or computer screens.
Here are informally described important cartographic concepts,
how maps are drawn and why there are so many different kinds of
projections for world maps. You may start reading here and
follow the
buttons, or use this table of contents:
Introduction | ![]() |
A gentle introduction to tinkering with maps |
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Basic definitions and concepts about the Earth, maps and the mapmaker's choices | |
Fitting Map to Purpose | ![]() |
Useful map properties:
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Mathematics of Cartography | ![]() |
How projections are created, including equations for: |
Main Projection Groups | ![]() |
Azimuthal projections, perspective or not |
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Cylindrical projections, arbitrary or perspective | |
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Pseudocylindrical projections, pure, continued or crossbred | |
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Conic projections, non-perspective and polyconic | |
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Pseudoconic projections | |
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Modified azimuthal projections | |
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Conformal projections | |
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Other interesting projections | |
Coping with Distortion |
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Tilted and crooked projections: oblique maps |
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Tearing Earth's skin: interrupted maps
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Rebuilding the Earth into an exotic planet: polyhedral maps
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Pieces of History | ![]() |
Projections developed before the Modern Age |
Projections at Work | ![]() |
Projections which helped making the world smaller: the Mercator and azimuthal equidistant |
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Some unusual applications of map projections (in construction) | |
Conclusion | ![]() |
Summary and table of depicted projections |
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Resources and links | |
Quick answers and personal rants |