Berghaus star

Parameters: Spike count (integer) 3 ≤ n ≤ 18

Classifications

Geocart menu class: Azimuthal
Equidistant
Composite
Modified azimuthal
Interrupted

Graticule

Meridians: Straight lines, broken at the Equator
Parallels: Concentric circular arcs; North Pole at the center
Poles: Points
Symmetry: Radial about the North Pole

Scale

Correct along meridians in the Northern Hemisphere and along the central meridians of triangular points in the Southern Hemisphere

Distortion

Moderate throughout

Other features

The Northern Hemisphere is a polar Azimuthal Equidistant projection. The Southern Hemisphere is divided into five equal triangular lobes.

Usage

Largely for artistic map forms. Landforms do not readily fit into the lobes or arms of the star pattern. Used for the logo of the Association of American Ceographers.

Origin

Presented by Heinrich Berghaus (1797–1884) of Germany in 1879

Aspects

Polar only

Similar projections

Petermann Star (Germany, 1865) has eight unequal points; parallels are concentric circular arcs.
Jäger Star (Austria, 1865) has eight unequal points; parallels are in straight segments.
Azimuthal Equidistant is the projection for the Northern Hemisphere of the Berghaus Star.

Description adapted from J.P. Snyder and P.M. Voxland, An Album of Map Projections, U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1453. United States Government Printing Office: 1989.