Arthur H. Robinson

Definition

Arthur H. Robinson was a prominent American cartographer known for his contributions to map design and cartographic education, particularly in the context of distortion and area preservation. His work aimed to improve the representation of geographical information through innovative map projections that minimized distortion while maintaining accurate area relationships. Robinson's influence can be seen in the development of modern cartography and the emphasis on how maps can effectively communicate spatial information without misleading the viewer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arthur H. Robinson developed the Robinson Projection in 1963, which was designed to create a visually appealing representation of the world while minimizing distortions in area and shape.
2. His work emphasized the importance of understanding and communicating the inherent distortions present in different map projections.
3. Robinson advocated for teaching cartographic principles to enhance the public's understanding of maps and their use in decision-making.
4. He founded the Geography Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and contributed significantly to cartographic education through his teaching methods.
5. Robinson received numerous awards for his contributions to cartography, including being named a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Review Questions

• How did Arthur H. Robinson’s work impact modern cartographic practices regarding distortion and area preservation?
  • Arthur H. Robinson's work revolutionized modern cartographic practices by introducing innovative map projections that focused on minimizing distortion while maintaining accurate area representations. His most notable creation, the Robinson Projection, balances various distortion types, allowing for an aesthetically pleasing and informative map. This approach emphasized the need for cartographers to consider how projections affect spatial understanding and communication in mapping.
• Discuss the significance of the Robinson Projection in relation to area preservation and its effectiveness compared to other projections.
  • The Robinson Projection is significant because it strikes a balance between preserving area, shape, distance, and direction, making it an effective tool for general reference maps. Unlike purely equal-area projections that can distort shapes significantly, Robinson's projection provides a visually appealing compromise that represents landmasses more accurately than many traditional projections. This makes it particularly useful for educational purposes and for conveying information about global geography without overwhelming distortion.
• Evaluate how Arthur H. Robinson’s educational contributions have influenced contemporary perceptions of cartography and map literacy.
  • Arthur H. Robinson's educational contributions have profoundly influenced contemporary perceptions of cartography by emphasizing the importance of map literacy and critical thinking when interpreting geographical information. By establishing cartography as a distinct field within geography education, he helped cultivate an awareness of how maps can misrepresent reality through distortion. His efforts to incorporate these principles into teaching have fostered a generation of informed map users who recognize the significance of projection choices and understand their implications in conveying accurate spatial information.

Related terms

Map Projection: A method used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat surface, often resulting in some degree of distortion in shape, area, distance, or direction.

Equal-Area Projection: A type of map projection that preserves area, ensuring that regions on the map have a proportional representation to their actual size on the Earth.

Cartography: The art and science of creating maps, which includes the selection of data, design elements, and projections to effectively communicate geographical information.