Understanding Map Projections

HAMMER–AITOFFLIMITATIONSUseful only as a world map.USES AND APPLICATIONSThematic maps of the whole world.The central meridian is 0°.DESCRIPTIONThe Hammer–Aitoff projection is a modification ofthe Lambert Azimuthal Equal Area projection.PROJECTION METHODModified azimuthal. The central meridian is a straightline half as long as the equator. The other meridiansare complex curves, concave toward the centralmeridian and unequally spaced along the equator.The equator is a straight line; all other parallels arecomplex curves, concave toward the nearest poleand unequally spaced along the central meridian.POINT OF TANGENCYCentral meridian at the equator.LINEAR GRATICULESThe equator and central meridian are the onlystraight lines.PROPERTIESShapeDistortion increases away from the origin.AreaEqual area.DirectionLocal angles are true only at the center.DistanceScale decreases along the equator and centralmeridian as distance from the origin increases.62 • Understanding Map Projections