Polar projection
Topic: Map Projections · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 4 "Map Projections"
Meaning
A polar projection is one in which the developable surface touches the globe at a pole. The surface is usually a flat plane. The pole sits at the centre of the map. Parallels appear as circles around it, and meridians appear as straight lines spreading out from it. It is the best choice for mapping the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Example
The United Nations emblem is an azimuthal equidistant map with the plane touching the globe at the North Pole. The continents are arranged around the pole in rings. Distances and directions measured from the North Pole are true.
Don't confuse with
- Normal projection: the surface touches the globe at the equator, not at a pole.
- Oblique projection: the surface touches the globe between the pole and the equator.
Related concepts
- Developable surface
- Non-developable surface
- Cylindrical projection
- Conical projection
- Zenithal projection
- Normal projection
- Oblique projection