Understanding Map Projections

SINUSOIDAL
Distance
The scale along all parallels and the central meridian
of the projection is accurate.
LIMITATIONS
Distortion is reduced when used for a single land
mass rather than the entire globe. This is especially
true for regions near the equator.
The central meridian is 117° E.
DESCRIPTION
Also known as Sanson–Flamsteed.
As a world map, this projection maintains equal area
despite conformal distortion. Alternative formats
reduce the distortion along outer meridians by
interrupting the continuity of the projection over the
oceans and by centering the continents around their
own central meridians, or vice versa.
USES AND APPLICATIONS
Used for world maps illustrating area characteristics,
especially if interrupted.
Used for continental maps of South America, Africa,
and occasionally other land masses, where each has
its own central meridian.
PROJECTION METHOD
A pseudocylindrical projection where all parallels
and the central meridian are straight. The meridians
are curves based on sine functions with the
amplitudes increasing with the distance from the
central meridian.
LINEAR GRATICULES
All lines of latitude and the central meridian.
PROPERTIES
Shape
No distortion along the central meridian and the
equator. Smaller regions using the interrupted form
exhibit less distortion than the uninterrupted
sinusoidal projection of the world.
Area
Areas are represented accurately.
Direction
Local angles are correct along the central meridian
and the equator but distorted elsewhere.
Supported map projections• 83