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Understanding Map Projections

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ECKERT VI<br />

central meridian. Scale is correct only along these<br />

parallels. Nearer the poles, features are compressed<br />

in the north–south direction.<br />

LIMITATIONS<br />

Useful only as a world map.<br />

USES AND APPLICATIONS<br />

Suitable for thematic mapping of the world.<br />

The central meridian is 0°.<br />

Used for world distribution maps in the 1937 World<br />

Atlas by the Soviet Union.<br />

DESCRIPTION<br />

This equal-area projection is used primarily for world<br />

maps.<br />

PROJECTION METHOD<br />

A pseudocylindrical equal-area projection.<br />

LINEAR GRATICULES<br />

Parallels are unequally spaced straight lines. They<br />

are closer together at the poles. Meridians are<br />

equally spaced sinusoidal curves. The poles and the<br />

central meridian are straight lines half as long as the<br />

equator.<br />

PROPERTIES<br />

Shape<br />

Shapes are stretched north–south 29 percent along<br />

the equator, relative to the east–west dimension. This<br />

stretching decreases to zero at 49°16' N and S at the<br />

central meridian. Nearer the poles, features are<br />

compressed in the north–south direction.<br />

Area<br />

Equivalent.<br />

Direction<br />

Local angles are correct at the intersection of<br />

49°16' N and S with the central meridian. Direction is<br />

distorted elsewhere.<br />

Distance<br />

Scale is distorted north–south 29 percent along the<br />

equator relative to the east–west dimension. This<br />

distortion decreases to zero at 49°16' N and S at the<br />

52 • <strong>Understanding</strong> <strong>Map</strong> <strong>Projections</strong>

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