Rounded corners

General discussion of map projections.
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Milo
Posts: 271
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2021 11:11 am

Rounded corners

Post by Milo »

PeteD wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 5:51 amThe whole reason for averaging a pointed-pole parent projection with the equirectangular projection in the first place is to introduce a pole line. However, once you accept that you don't have to use the same parent projection for the y values that you use for the x values, it becomes apparent that you don't need to take the average with the equirectangular projection at all for the y values and you'll still have the same pole line. Taking the average of the equirectangular and Aitoff projections for the x values and just taking the Aitoff projection alone without any averaging for the y values gives a projection that's essentially the Winkel tripel but with rounded corners:
Regardless of any distortion metrics, I find rounded corners more aesthetically pleasing. I really dislike pole lines with angled corners, except on cylindrical projections.
mapnerd2022
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:33 pm

Re: Experimental projections

Post by mapnerd2022 »

That's why the Mollweide looks so aesthetically
pleasing to me, except for it's skinny Africa. Of course that's why I like the Bromley rescaling even more.
mapnerd2022
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:33 pm

Re: Experimental projections

Post by mapnerd2022 »

As well as the Hammer, the Aitoff, Eckert III and Eckert IV.
mapnerd2022
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:33 pm

Re: Experimental projections

Post by mapnerd2022 »

As well as any of the Winkel II and Winkel Tripel among other rounded corner projections.
PeteD
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Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:59 am

Re: Experimental projections

Post by PeteD »

Milo wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 12:17 pm Regardless of any distortion metrics, I find rounded corners more aesthetically pleasing.
I agree. After all, the Earth is round.

In this paper on Flex Projector that mentions the design process of the natural Earth projection, five advantages of rounded corners are listed:
  1. They suggest that the projection represents a spherical Earth.
  2. Rounding corners and the related action of lessening the length of pole lines reduced the size of polar areas, thereby making Antarctica appear smaller.
  3. At the top and bottom of the projection, meridians converge inward toward implied poles, suggesting that the poles are in fact points instead of straight lines.
  4. Aesthetics: from iPod music players, to Jaguar automobiles to the Mona Lisa, curves convey classic elegance.
  5. The tightly rounded corners of the Natural Earth projection are unique among commonly used pseudocylindrical projections, helping to differentiate it.
On the other hand, this study on map projection preferences found no statistically significant preference for pointed or rounded corners.
Last edited by PeteD on Sat Apr 08, 2023 5:55 am, edited 1 time in total.
Milo
Posts: 271
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Re: Experimental projections

Post by Milo »

PeteD wrote: Sat Apr 08, 2023 2:44 amOn the other hand, this study on map projection preferences found no statistically significant preference for pointed or rounded corners.
Well, tastes differ. Obviously not everyone is going to agree with mine. At least "no statistically significant preference" means that about as many people agree with me as disagree.

Also, umm, you forgot to actually enter the link.
mapnerd2022
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:33 pm

Re: Experimental projections

Post by mapnerd2022 »

Milo wrote: Sat Apr 08, 2023 5:28 am
PeteD wrote: Sat Apr 08, 2023 2:44 amOn the other hand, this study on map projection preferences found no statistically significant preference for pointed or rounded corners.
Well, tastes differ. Obviously not everyone is going to agree with mine. At least "no statistically significant preference" means that about as many people agree with me as disagree.

Also, umm, you forgot to actually enter the link.
Well, I do agree with your taste in rounded corners.
PeteD
Posts: 251
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:59 am

Re: Experimental projections

Post by PeteD »

Milo wrote: Sat Apr 08, 2023 5:28 am Also, umm, you forgot to actually enter the link.
Oops! It should work now.
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