3 ms·
There are lots of different map projections[1] and coordinate systems[2]. As the old joke goes, "the best thing about standards is there are so many to choose f
by dsl 9y ago
There are lots of different map projections[1] and coordinate systems[2]. As the old joke goes, "the best thing about standards is there are so many to choose from!"
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map_projection https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map_projection
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_coordinate_system https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_coordinate_system
- goblin89 9y agoIf you want to map whole planet’s surface onto a plane then sure, there’re tons of options (Dymaxion projection is my favorite). I can’t understand why areas and distances would be distorted if user manipulates a 3D globe though; yet it seems to be the case here.
- dsl 9y agoThat is exactly the problem. It is easy for programmers to start with a 3D sphere and start randomly projecting things on to it. However the earth itself is an ellipsoid that bulges around the equator, so again you have a projection problem of people trying to put one shape onto a different shape.