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Compromise projections

Definition

A compromise projection is a category of map projection that deliberately does not preserve any single geometric property�such as area, shape, or distance�perfectly, but instead intentionally distributes and minimizes all types of distortion (angular, areal, and scale) across the map in a balanced manner to create a world representation that appears more visually familiar and aesthetically pleasing to the general viewer; while no measurement from such a projection is completely accurate, its primary utility lies in providing a suitable and recognizable global overview for general-reference purposes, such as in atlases, news media, and web mapping, where the overall appearance of continents and their spatial relationships is prioritized over precise analytical measurements.

Application

A primary practical application of a compromise projection is in global reference atlases, news media, and popular web mapping services where the goal is to present a visually balanced and immediately recognizable view of the world. For instance, the widely used Robinson and Winkel Tripel projections are standard in publications like the National Geographic Society's world maps. By deliberately averaging and minimizing all forms of distortion�rather than eliminating any one completely�these projections prevent continents from appearing extremely stretched (as in some equal-area maps) or grossly enlarged at the poles (as in the Mercator), offering the general public a more intuitive and less misleading depiction of the relative sizes and positions of landmasses for general education and casual reference.

FAQ

What exactly is a "compromise" projection?

A compromise projection is a type of map projection that doesn't perfectly preserve any single cartographic property like area (equal-area), shape (conformal), or distance (equidistant). Instead, it intentionally allows a moderate amount of all types of distortion, balancing and minimizing them to create a world map that looks "right" and familiar to most viewers. Its goal is overall visual harmony rather than measurement accuracy.

What's the main advantage over projections like Mercator or Mollweide?

Its key advantage is visual appeal and familiarity for general audiences. Compared to a Mercator, it doesn't drastically inflate the size of polar regions. Compared to an equal-area Mollweide, it doesn't severely shear the shapes of continents. This makes it ideal for situations where a non-specialist needs to get a reasonable sense of the whole world without being misled by the extreme distortions of a single-property map.

What are the most common examples of compromise projections?

The two most famous global compromise projections are:

Robinson Projection: Adopted by National Geographic for decades, known for its gentle, visually pleasing curves.

Winkel Tripel Projection: The current standard for world maps at National Geographic, considered to have even better balance and lower distortion than Robinson. Other examples include the Miller Cylindrical and the Van der Grinten projections.

When should I use a compromise projection and when should I avoid it?

Use it for: General reference world maps in atlases, textbooks, news graphics, wall maps, and websites where the primary goal is to show country locations and general shapes for a broad public audience. It's perfect for "big picture" context.

Avoid it for: Any thematic or analytical mapping where precise measurements are required. Do not use it for calculating areas, analyzing shapes, navigating, or any GIS analysis, as no property is mathematically true. For those tasks, a specialized equal-area, conformal, or equidistant projection is mandatory.