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
2. Comparison: Political Map
Central Cylindrical
Mercator
3. Comparison: Silhouette Map
4. Comparison: Tissot Indicatrix, 30°
Central Cylindrical
Mercator


