Robinson

Description

Also called orthophanic, Robinson is a compromise projection used for world maps.

Projection method

Pseudo cylindrical. Meridians are equally spaced and resemble elliptical arcs, concave toward the central meridian. The central meridian is a straight line 0.51 times the length of the equator. Parallels are equally spaced straight lines between 38° N and S; spacing decreases beyond these limits. The poles are 0.53 times the length of the equator. The projection is based on tabular coordinates instead of mathematical formulas.

Linear graticules

All parallels and the central meridian.

Properties

Shape

Shape distortion is very low within 45° of the origin and along the equator.

Area

Distortion is very low within 45° of the origin and along the equator.

Direction

Generally distorted.

Distance

Generally, scale is made true along latitudes 38° N and S. Scale is constant along any given latitude and for the latitude of the opposite sign.

Limitations

Neither conformal nor equal area. Useful only for world maps.

Uses and applications

Developed for use in general and thematic world maps.

Used by Rand McNally since the 1960s and by the National Geographic Society between 1988 and 1998 for general and thematic world maps.

Parameters

Desktop

• False Easting
• False Northing
• Central Meridian

The Robinson_ArcInfo map projection is the same as the workstation version of the Robinson projection.

Workstation

• Longitude of Central Meridian
• False Easting (meters)
• False Northing (meters)