Map Projections for SVG Maps
Every projection distorts something — shape, area, or distance — so choosing one depends on what the map needs to communicate.
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Every Projection Trades Off Something
Flattening a sphere onto a plane always introduces distortion, so projections choose what to preserve: conformal projections preserve local shapes while distorting area, equal-area projections preserve relative area while distorting shape, and compromise projections balance both imperfectly.
- Conformal projections preserve local shapes but distort relative areas
- Equal-area projections preserve area but visibly distort shapes
- Compromise projections balance both without perfecting either one
Matching a Projection to the Map's Purpose
A choropleth comparing values across regions generally benefits from an equal-area projection so that visual weight matches actual land area, while a navigational or local-scale map may favor a conformal projection where preserving accurate local angles and shapes matters more.
- Choropleths generally benefit from equal-area projections for fair comparison
- Navigational and local maps often favor conformal shape preservation
- The map's communicative purpose should drive the projection choice
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mercator often criticized for thematic maps?
Mercator preserves local shape but massively exaggerates area near the poles, which distorts visual comparisons in choropleths and other area-based thematic maps.
Is there a projection with no distortion at all?
No, flattening a sphere onto a plane always introduces distortion somewhere — the only choice is which property to preserve and which to sacrifice.
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