Goode’s Homolosine map projection

Definition

Goode’s Homolosine map projection is an equal-area map that minimizes distortion of land masses while sacrificing the shape of continents. This projection is particularly useful for displaying global data like population density or climate patterns, as it provides a more accurate representation of the size of countries and continents compared to traditional rectangular projections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goode’s Homolosine is often referred to as the 'interrupted equal-area' projection because it reduces distortion by dividing the map into segments.
2. This projection shows the continents in their true proportions, making it particularly beneficial for understanding global issues like resource distribution.
3. The Goode’s Homolosine projection was developed by John Paul Goode in 1923 and has become popular among geographers and cartographers.
4. Unlike the Mercator projection, Goode’s Homolosine does not exaggerate land areas near the poles, offering a more realistic view of world geography.
5. It is commonly used in thematic mapping where accurate area representation is crucial, such as in population studies and environmental assessments.

Review Questions

• How does Goode’s Homolosine map projection differ from traditional rectangular projections in terms of representing land masses?
  • Goode’s Homolosine map projection differs from traditional rectangular projections by focusing on equal-area representation, which accurately reflects the true size of land masses. While many rectangular projections distort area, especially near the poles, Goode’s projection minimizes this distortion by interrupting the map into segments. This allows for a more realistic view of continent sizes, making it particularly useful for analyses that rely on accurate spatial data.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using Goode’s Homolosine map projection for thematic mapping.
  • One advantage of using Goode’s Homolosine map projection for thematic mapping is its ability to accurately portray area relationships between different regions, which is essential for studies related to population density or natural resources. However, a disadvantage is that this projection sacrifices the shape of land masses, leading to less recognizable outlines for continents and countries. The interrupted nature may also make it less suitable for navigation and general reference compared to other projections that maintain more conventional shapes.
• Evaluate how the use of Goode’s Homolosine map projection impacts our understanding of global issues compared to other projections.
  • Using Goode’s Homolosine map projection significantly impacts our understanding of global issues by providing a more accurate representation of land areas, which can influence perceptions about population distribution, resource allocation, and environmental concerns. This accuracy allows for better-informed decision-making regarding global challenges. In contrast, other projections like Mercator can mislead by exaggerating areas near the poles, thereby distorting critical information about geographical realities. Therefore, choosing Goode’s Homolosine for thematic maps can lead to more equitable and effective discussions about global issues.

Related terms

Equal-area projection: A type of map projection where the area of each feature on the map is proportional to its actual area on the Earth.

Distortion: The alteration of the original shape, area, distance, or direction of geographic features when represented on a map.

Interrupted projection: A map projection that breaks up the surface of the Earth into sections to reduce distortion, which can create gaps in the representation.