Mercator: Extreme
MERCATOR: EXTREME is a new map projection by Drew Roos that allows any point to be the pole, revealing high latitude distortions and aiding in visualizing transportation networks and antipodes.
Read original article
MERCATOR: EXTREME is an innovative map projection created by Drew Roos that allows users to set any point on Earth as the "pole," diverging from the traditional Mercator projection. This version highlights the significant distortions that occur at high latitudes, which are typically cut off in standard maps. The map is presented sideways to accommodate its tall, narrow shape, emphasizing the distortion as one approaches the poles. The oblique Mercator technique is employed to shift the pole to a more interesting location, revealing the extreme distortions that occur as one moves away from the pole. This projection provides a unique perspective on the Earth's surface, allowing for visualization of transportation networks and long-distance routes in a new way. It also facilitates the exploration of antipodes, showcasing points on opposite sides of the planet. The map's design encourages users to rethink their understanding of distance and direction, making it a novel tool for geographic exploration.
- MERCATOR: EXTREME allows any point on Earth to be set as the pole, revealing distortions at high latitudes.
- The map is presented sideways to accommodate its tall shape and emphasize distortion.
- It utilizes oblique Mercator techniques to shift the pole to interesting locations.
- The projection aids in visualizing transportation networks and long-distance routes.
- It also highlights antipodes, showcasing points directly opposite each other on the globe.
Related
The Many Lives of Null Island
Null Island, at 0º latitude and longitude, symbolizes data errors in GIS. It highlights mapping challenges and has evolved in size and representation, becoming a whimsical cartographic phenomenon.
Rare yet Impactful – Orthographic Projection in Films and Animations
Orthographic projection is a visual technique used in films like "Severance," avoiding traditional perspective to create a unique effect, enhancing narrative by manipulating viewer perception and evoking familiarity.
Openly Licensed Streetview with Panoramax
Panoramax is an open-source street-level imagery platform developed by IGN, allowing users to contribute 360-degree images via smartphones. It supports federation and promotes openly licensed data for sustainable commons.
Using GPS in the Year 1565
The "Allmaps Here" web app enables users to view their GPS location on historical maps, including a detailed 1565 Antwerp map, promoting exploration of historical landmarks on smartphones and computers.
Mercury's shadowy North Pole revealed by M-CAM 1
The BepiColombo mission captured images of Mercury's north pole, revealing shadowy craters that may contain frozen water and showcasing ancient volcanic activity, aiming to investigate Mercury's geological history.
- Users discuss the ability to manipulate map projections to visualize distortions, with references to other tools like "The True Size."
- Some express curiosity about converting the projection into high-definition images for personal use.
- There are debates about the accuracy of the projection compared to traditional Mercator projections and other map types.
- Several comments highlight the fun and engaging aspects of interacting with the map, encouraging exploration of different layers and orientations.
- Some users reflect on the emotional impact of the map's distortions, comparing it to familiar shapes and cultural references.
23 commentsClassic example is moving Greenland onto the US. Or Russia. Russia isn't talked about much in this case, but its dramatic how it changes.
If I pick a point somewhere in the middle of Manhattan, the top point of Manhattan is somewhere near the top of the light colored area and the bottom point of Manhattan nearish the bottom of the light colored area. This means that if I draw straight lines on the the map from San Francisco to these two points, the angle between them is something like 30 degrees. They pass through very roughly the top and bottom of Nevada. But there's no line of constant bearing that passes from SF through the top of Nevada to the top of Manhattan while at the same time one that passes through the bottom of Nevada to the bottom of Manhattan.
This is all very wishy-washy, but it doesn't look right to me.
Other choices really do put into perspective how distorted this projection is.
https://mrgris.com/projects/merc-extreme/#a473b325@55.86116,...
EDIT: you can also click the "folded map icon" button and you see the coordinates transformed back into normal ones and shown on a map with X and Y corresponding to radius and azimuth from the centre. Extremely cool!
Related
The Many Lives of Null Island
Null Island, at 0º latitude and longitude, symbolizes data errors in GIS. It highlights mapping challenges and has evolved in size and representation, becoming a whimsical cartographic phenomenon.
Rare yet Impactful – Orthographic Projection in Films and Animations
Orthographic projection is a visual technique used in films like "Severance," avoiding traditional perspective to create a unique effect, enhancing narrative by manipulating viewer perception and evoking familiarity.
Openly Licensed Streetview with Panoramax
Panoramax is an open-source street-level imagery platform developed by IGN, allowing users to contribute 360-degree images via smartphones. It supports federation and promotes openly licensed data for sustainable commons.
Using GPS in the Year 1565
The "Allmaps Here" web app enables users to view their GPS location on historical maps, including a detailed 1565 Antwerp map, promoting exploration of historical landmarks on smartphones and computers.
Mercury's shadowy North Pole revealed by M-CAM 1
The BepiColombo mission captured images of Mercury's north pole, revealing shadowy craters that may contain frozen water and showcasing ancient volcanic activity, aiming to investigate Mercury's geological history.