Miller Cylindrical

Description

This projection is similar to the Mercator projection except that the polar regions are not as areally distorted. Spacing between lines of latitude as they approach the poles is less than in the Mercator projection. It decreases the distortion in area, but the compromise introduces distortion in local shape and direction.

Learn more about the Mercator projection

Illustration of Miller cylindrical projection

Projection method

Cylindrical projection. Meridians are parallel and equally spaced, lines of latitude are parallel, and the distance between them increases toward the poles. Both poles are represented as straight lines.

Line of contact

The equator.

Linear graticules

All meridians and all parallels.

Properties

Shape

Minimally distorted between 45th parallels, increasingly toward the poles. Land masses are stretched more east–west than they are north–south.

Area

Distortion increases from the equator toward the poles.

Direction

Local angles are correct only along the equator.

Distance

Correct distance is measured along the equator.

Limitations

Useful only as a world map.

Uses and applications

General-purpose world maps.

Parameters

Desktop

  • False Easting
  • False Northing
  • Central Meridian
NoteNote:

Supported on spheres only.

Miller Cylindrical Auxiliary Sphere (Desktop version 9.3 and later)

  • False Easting
  • False Northing
  • Central Meridian
  • Auxiliary Sphere Type
NoteNote:

The Auxiliary Sphere Type parameter accepts 0 (use semimajor axis or radius of the geographic coordinate system), 1 (use semiminor axis or radius), 2 (calculate and use authalic radius), or 3 (use authalic radius and convert geodetic latitudes to authalic latitudes).

Workstation

  • Radius of the sphere of reference
  • Longitude of Central Meridian
  • False Easting (meters)
  • False Northing (meters)
NoteNote:

Supported on spheres only.

Related Topics


7/31/2013