Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Home > Arts > Artists > M > Gerardus Mercator

Mercator map projection, diagram

Mercator map projection, diagram


Framed Photos
Photo Prints
Jigsaw Puzzles
Poster Prints
Canvas Prints
Fine Art Prints
Metal Prints
Home Decor


We accept all major credit cards

Science Photo Library

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library

Mercator map projection, diagram

Mercator map projection. Diagram of an Earth globe (left) and a Mercator map projection (right) with the blue strip (from South America to Greenland) showing how the spherical surface is projected onto a cylindrical map. The arrows (blue) show how the polar regions are narrower on the globe, and wider on the map. This is one of the disadvantages of this projection, which distorts the polar regions compared to the equatorial regions. Greenland and Antarctica appear much larger on the map than on the globe. This standard projection is named for the Flemish geographer and cartographer Gerardus Mercator who used it in 1569

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6348329

© This illustration is protected by laws and international treaties, as well as other intellectual property la

Arrow Arrows Cartographic Cartography Cylinder Cylindrical Diagram Distorted Equatorial Geometric Geometry Globe Mapped Mapping Mathematical Mathematics Projecting Projection Rectangle Rectangular Sphere Spherical Mercator Projection


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Arts > Artists > M > Gerardus Mercator

> Science > Space Exploration > Planets > Earth


EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Mercator map projection, a widely used method for representing the Earth's surface on a flat map. The diagram features an Earth globe on the left and a Mercator map projection on the right, with a striking blue strip stretching from South America to Greenland. This strip demonstrates how the spherical shape of our planet is projected onto a cylindrical map. The blue arrows in this image highlight one of the drawbacks of using this particular projection: polar distortion. As indicated by these arrows, the polar regions appear narrower on the globe but wider on the map, resulting in an inaccurate representation. Notably, Greenland and Antarctica seem significantly larger than their actual size when compared to other regions. Named after Gerardus Mercator, a Flemish geographer and cartographer who introduced it in 1569, this standard projection has become widely recognized despite its limitations. The geometric precision displayed in this illustration emphasizes both its mathematical foundation and artistic appeal. Through Claus Lunau's artful lens, we are invited to appreciate not only the complexities of geography and cartography but also how different projections can alter our perception of space. This thought-provoking photograph serves as a reminder that every representation comes with inherent distortions – even those as seemingly objective as maps – urging us to approach them with critical thinking and awareness.

MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.



redeem
Beautiful Photo Prints and Gifts
image
Professionally Printed
inventory
Photo Prints are in stock
thumb_up
Professional quality finish
diamond
Made with high-grade materials
inventory_2
Carefully packed to aid safe arrival



Related Images


2644341; out of copyright
2644341; out of copyright
Love Letter, 1901
Love Letter, 1901
Indecency, 1799
Indecency, 1799
Diana and Endymion, c. 1740. Artist: Subleyras, Pierre (1699-1749)
Diana and Endymion, c. 1740. Artist: Subleyras, Pierre (1699-1749)
The Judgment of Paris, c1635-1638, (1912). Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
The Judgment of Paris, c1635-1638, (1912). Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
Portrait of a man, enamel, painted on copper, 16th century, (1931). Artist: Leonard Limosin
Portrait of a man, enamel, painted on copper, 16th century, (1931). Artist: Leonard Limosin
Te Poipoi (Morning), 1892. Artist: Gauguin, Paul Eugene Henri (1848-1903)
Te Poipoi (Morning), 1892. Artist: Gauguin, Paul Eugene Henri (1848-1903)
Dartford DA4 0 Map
Dartford DA4 0 Map
10095560
10095560
20083674
20083674

+

Shipping

+

Choices

+

Reviews

+

Guaranteed