Loximuthal projection

The Loximuthal projection is a pseudocylindrical map projection that is neither conformal nor equal area. It was presented by Karl Siemon in 1935, and independently as “Loximuthal” by Waldo R. Tobler. This projection has the special feature that loxodromes (rhumb lines) from the central point (the intersection of the central meridian and central latitude) are shown straight, true to scale, and correct in azimuth from the center. The azimuths with respect to other points along a rhumb line, however, are not shown correctly, due to angular distortion on the map projection.

The central meridian in the Loximuthal projection is a straight line generally over half as long as the Equator (depending on the central latitude). Other meridians are depicted as equally spaced complex curves that are concave toward the central meridian and which intersect at the poles. The parallels are equally spaced straight parallel lines running perpendicular to the central meridian. The poles are represented as points. The projection in symmetrical about the central meridian, and around the Equator in the case where the central latitude is the Equator. Scale is true along the central meridian, and is constant along any given latitude. Distortion varies from moderate to extreme, and is absent only at the intersection of the central latitude and central meridian.



More Information

 * Pseudocylindrical Projections
 * The Nomenclature and Classification of Map Projections Empire Survey Review No. 51, Vol VII January 1944 Pages 190-200 ; L.P. Lee, Lands Survey Department, Wellington, N.Z.
 * Matching the Map Projection to the Need
 * List of ESRI-supported map projections
 * Weisstein, Eric W. Map Projections. From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource.
 * Map Projections''. Atlas of Canada.
 * Cartographical Map Projections'', Carlos A. Furuti website, www.progonos.com.
 * Elements of Map Projection. (26 MB download) U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Special Publication 68 (1938).
 * Map Projections. USGS Publications. December 2000.
 * What are map projections? ArcGIS 10 Online Help
 * University of Colorado at Boulder - Map Projection Overview with Illustrations
 * Data Projections. GeoCommunity Web site.
 * Wiki.GIS.com - Types of Projections