122 THe geOgRaPHiC anD
CaRTOgRaPHiC FRaMeWORK
good representation (Figure 6.36). The projection remains equal area. It is rarely seen
except in the interrupted form (see below).
Robinson Projection
Arthur H. Robinson in 1963 devised his projection in an effort to create a world pro-
jection that had a pleasing appearance with few obvious distortions (see Figure 6.14).
This projection is a
pseudocylindrical and a compromise in that it is neither equal
area nor conformal. It has become quite popular.
Interrupted Projections
With projections of the type of the Mollweide and the sinusoidal, it is possible to
interrupt the graticule and thereby create a series of zones of best representation.
To illustrate this idea, the Goode’s homolosine is used as an example (Figure 6.36).
Although this example uses manual construction for explanatory purposes, in prac-
tice the projection would be created on a computer.
A line is constructed to represent the equator and marked in the desired number
of degrees for the meridians. A central meridian is chosen for each continent and
drawn to its proper length. Points are chosen for each interruption. Now the sinusoi-
dal graticule is constructed around each central meridian
to the marked interrup-
tions. Each continent has been placed within the zone of best representation for the
projection. Note that nothing has been removed at the points of interruption, that
certain meridians have been repeated, and that the entire projection is made up of a
series of portions of the sinusoidal. This process can be carried out with any projec-
tion that has this essentially oval outline. Interruptions may be placed on either land
or ocean depending on the area of interest, and any meridian may be chosen as the
central meridian.
1
Interrupted projections can also be
condensed. Condensed projections are inter-
rupted projections that have had an area of little interest removed to allow a larger
scale map to be placed on a page (Figure 6.37). When the focus is on land areas,
a portion of the Atlantic Ocean is frequently removed. When projections are con-
densed, there should be some indication on the map that this has been done; other-
wise a misleading map is created.
