Maps That Tell The Truth: how projections shape scale, area, and form—and how to choose the right one for your map.
This non‑fiction guide explains how map projections influence what you see. It presents the main ideas a reader should know to compare projections, test their merits, and use them effectively in real maps.
The book outlines clear criteria for judging projections: how well they preserve scale along meridians and parallels, how accurately they represent areas, how faithfully they show shape, and how easy they are to construct. It also discusses the practical side of choosing a projection for a map, and how different projections can lead to different interpretations of the same territory.
What you’ll experience
- A framework for evaluating map projections based on scale, area, and shape
- Explanations of common projections and their practical uses
- Guidance on recognizing what a projection will or won’t do on a map
- Ways to understand the relationships between projections and real-world maps
Ideal for readers of geography, cartography, and anyone who works with maps and wants to avoid common mistakes.
First published in 1921, this book presents an account regarding the different types of map projection, incorporating information on the relationships between methods of projection and the qualities of each method. Intended 'for the mapmaker and the map user', the text approaches its subject from a practical point of view and avoids extensive mathematical theorising.