Mathematical Projections

Mathematical projections are produced by using mathematical equations to keep some form of the map accurate without distorting it. It is a step up from using a transparent wire globe and a light source to produce a map. However many of these maps seem foreign to the observer because they often produce oddly shaped maps. The shapes often include oval, circular, heart-shaped, star-shaped, and even armadillo-shaped. Mathematical projections are usually created for a specific purpose in mind and often do not have equal area.

Mathematical Projections for Illustration
There are four mathematical projections that are used for the purpose of illustration. They are sinusoidal projection, Mollweide projection, Goode's Homolosine projection, and Robinson Projection.