Robinson projection map (Large 2 MB).

The Robinson projection is a map projection used for geographic maps. Image File history File links Physical_world. ... Image File history File links Physical_world. ... Download high resolution version (4000x2949, 1546 KB)Physical World Map 2004-04-01 CIA World Factbook; Robinson Projection; standard parallels 38°N and 38°S File links The following pages link to this file: Wikipedia:WikiProject Maps/World World map Categories: CIA World Factbook images ... The Mercator projection shows courses of constant bearing as straight lines. ...

Presented by Dr. Arthur H. Robinson in 1963, it is classified as a pseudo-cylindrical projection by reason of its straight parallels, each along which the meridians are spaced evenly. The central meridian is also a straight line; other meridians are curved. Robinson specified the projection to be constructed by referring to a table of cartesian coordinate values at specific intersections of latitude and longitude. Intermediate locations are to be found by interpolation. This method reflects the way he developed the projection as a series of trials, iterating until he settled on the meridian shapes and parallel spacing most pleasing to him. To contrast, most other projections are formulated as mathematical equations. Several formulaic representations of Robinson's projection have appeared in the literature as alternatives to the look-up tables. Arthur H. Robinson ( January 5, 1915 – October 19, 2004) was an American geographer and cartographer. ... 1963 was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ... A map projection is any of many methods used in cartography (mapmaking) to represent the two-dimensional curved surface of the earth or other body on a plane. ... Meridian is: Meridian (astronomy): an imaginary circle perpendicular to the horizon. ... Meridian is: Meridian (astronomy): an imaginary circle perpendicular to the horizon. ... Cartesian means relating to the French mathematician and philosopher Descartes, who, among other things, worked to merge algebra and Euclidean geometry. ... In the mathematical subfield of numerical analysis, interpolation is a method of constructing new data points from a discrete set of known data points. ...

Robinson developed the projection under commission from Rand McNally, which used it thenceforth in many atlases and books. It briefly carried the name "orthophanic" (meaning correct-looking) but quickly became known as the Robinson projection. National Geographic Society adopted it for their world maps in 1988 but abandoned it ten years later for the Winkel Tripel. Many educational institutes and textbooks followed National Geographic's example in adopting the projection, and most of those still use it. Rand McNally is a publisher of maps, globes, and atlases currently based in Skokie, Illinois. ... Flag of the National Geographic Society The National Geographic Society was founded in the United States on January 27, 1888, by 33 men interested in organizing a society for the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge. ... 1988 is a leap year starting on a Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A Winkel Tripel projection of the Earth Winkels Tripel projection was developed to show a map of the round Earth on flat paper with minimal distortion. ...

The Robinson projection is an example of a pseudocylindrical, or orthophanic, projection.

Like many projections, the Robinson has advantages. Like all projections, it also has disadvantages. The projection is neither equal-area nor conformal, abandoning both for a compromise the creator felt produces a better overall view than could be achieved by adhering to either. The meridians curve gently, avoiding extremes, but thereby stretch the poles into long lines instead of leaving them as points. Hence distortion close to the poles is severe but quickly declines to moderate levels moving away from them. The straight parallels imply severe angular disortion at the high latitutes toward the outer edges of the map, a fault inherent in any pseudocylindrical projection. Image File history File links World map projection (source) File links The following pages link to this file: Map projection Robinson projection ... In mathematics, a conformal map is a function which preserves angles. ...

See also

• Cartography
• Gall-Peters projection
• Mercator projection
• Nautical chart
• Mercator projection
• Transverse Mercator projection
• Winkel Tripel projection
• Map projection

Cartography or mapmaking (in Greek chartis = map and graphein = write) is the study and practice of making maps or globes. ... Peters map The Peters World Map or Gall-Peters projection is an orthographic equal-area map projection of the earth. ... The Mercator projection of the world up to a latitude of 86° N and S The Mercator projection is a cylindrical map projection devised by Gerardus Mercator in 1569. ... A nautical chart is a graphic representation of a maritime area and adjacent coastal regions. ... The Mercator projection of the world up to a latitude of 86° N and S The Mercator projection is a cylindrical map projection devised by Gerardus Mercator in 1569. ... // Transverse Mercator Projection A Transverse Mercator projection A Transverse Mercator projection is an adaptation of the Mercator projection. ... A Winkel Tripel projection of the Earth Winkels Tripel projection was developed to show a map of the round Earth on flat paper with minimal distortion. ... The Mercator projection shows courses of constant bearing as straight lines. ...

References

• John B. Garver Jr., "New Perspective on the World", National Geographic, December 1988, pp. 911-913.
• John P. Snyder, Flattening The Earth - 2000 Years of Map Projections, The University of Chicago Press, 1993, pp. 214-216.