Mollweide projection
Overview
Map projection
A map projection is any method of representing the surface of a sphere or other three-dimensional body on a plane. Map projections are necessary for creating maps. All map projections distort the surface in some fashion...
generally used for global maps of the world (or sky). Also known as the Babinet projection, homalographic projection, homolographic projection, and elliptical projection. As its more explicit name Mollweide equal area projection indicates, it sacrifices accuracy of angle and shape in favor of accurate depiction of area. It is used primarily where accurate representation of area takes precedence over shape, for instance small maps depicting global distributions.
The projection was first published by mathematician and astronomer Karl (or Carl) Brandan Mollweide
Karl Mollweide
Karl Mollweide was a mathematician.He was born and brought up in Wolfenbüttel about 15 km south of Brunswick . Unlike most people who become leading mathematicians, Mollweide showed no interest in or talent for the subject while in elementary school...
(1774 – 1825) of Leipzig
Leipzig
Leipzig Leipzig has always been a trade city, situated during the time of the Holy Roman Empire at the intersection of the Via Regia and Via Imperii, two important trade routes. At one time, Leipzig was one of the major European centres of learning and culture in fields such as music and publishing...
in 1805.
