My Projection Collection:
Compare Projections
Central Cylindrical vs. Mercator
Central Cylindrical | Mercator | |
---|---|---|
Creator | Unknown (1850 approx.) | Gerardus Mercator (1569) |
Group | Cylindric | Cylindric |
Property | Compromise | Conformal |
Other Names | — | — |
Remarks | Perspective cylindrical map projection, truncated at 75° North/South. Due to its severe inflation near the poles, it is practically unused in cartography. Common usage is to illustrate the construction of cylindrical projections – and to show that the Mercator projection is not constructed perspectively as sometimes claimed. |
Cut off at 84° North and South |
recommended comparisons | Mercator | Baker Dinomic Braun Perspective Central Cylindrical Kavraiskiy I |
This pairing is among the list of recommended pairings – but why? Contrary to what is sometimes claimed, the Mercator projection is not constructed perspectively. A perspective projection results in the Central Cylindrical instead. |
1. Comparison: Physical Map – scaled to fit
2. Comparison: Political Map – scaled to fit
Central Cylindrical
Mercator
3. Comparison: Silhouette Map – scaled to fit
4. Comparison: Tissot Indicatrix, 30° – scaled to fit
Central Cylindrical
Mercator
5. Comparison: Physical Map – scaled to same width
Central Cylindrical
Mercator
6. Comparison: Political Map – scaled to same width
Central Cylindrical
Mercator
7. Comparison: Silhouette Map – scaled to same width
8. Comparison: Tissot Indicatrix, 30° – scaled to same width
Central Cylindrical
Mercator
9. Comparison: Tissot Indicatrix, 15° – scaled to fit
Central Cylindrical
Mercator
10. Comparison: Tissot Indicatrix, 15° – scaled to same width
Central Cylindrical
Mercator