THE MERCATOR PROJECTION AND THE RHUMB LINE

Abstract

Introductory Remarks.—A line of constant bearing was known as a Rhumb line. Later Snel invented the name Loxodrome for the same line. The drawing of this line on a curvilinear graticule was naturally difficult and attempts at graphical working in the chart-house were not very successfuL Consequently, according to Germain, in 1318 Petrus Vesconte de Janua devised the Plate Carree projection (“Plane” Chart). This had a rectilinear graticule and parallel meridians, and distances on the meridians were made true. The projection gave a rectilinear rhumb line; but the bearing of this rhumb line was in general far from true and the representation of the earth's surface was greatly distorted in high latitudes. For the former reason it offered no real solution of the problem of the navigator, who required a chart on which any straight line would be a line not alone of constant bearing but also of true bearing; the first condition necessarily postulated a chart with rectilinear meridians, since a meridian is itself a rhumb line, and for the same reason it postulated rectilinear parallels. It follows, therefore, that the meridians also must be parallel inter se, like the parallels of latitude. The remaining desideratum—that for a true bearing—was attained in I569 by Gerhard Kramer, usually known by his Latin name of Mercator, in early life a pupil of Gemma Frisius of Louvain, who was the first to teach triangulation as a means for surveying a country. Let us consider, then, that a chart is required to show a straight line as a rhumb line of true bearing and let us consider the Mercator projection from this point of view.     

ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF MAP PROJECTIONS

Abstract

1. Classes and Varieties. A map projection can be considered from different points of view, each such point of view representing a “class” of projections. The classes, in their turn, are subdivided into “varieties”.     

THE ORTHOMORPHIC PROJECTION OF THE SPHEROID–III

Abstract

In the last instalment we were able to obtain most of the surveyor's projections in common use by applying simple scale conditions to the meridians and parallels. This method of approach naturally suggests that results of some value might be obtained by applying similar conditions to the plane co-ordinate lines. If we do so, we are immediately led to consider curves on the surface known as geodesics, which are the nearest approach to straight lines it is possible to draw on a curved surface. Accordingly, we give some account of these curves for the benefit of surveyors who have not hitherto made their acquaintance.     

THE TRANSVERSE MERCATOR PROJECTION AND ITS APPLICATION TO TANGANYIKA TERRITORY

Abstract

The Transverse Mercator Projection is also called the Conformal of Gauss since it was devised by him in the early part of the nineteenth century in connexion with the Triangulation of Hanover. It belongs to the class of cylindrical orthomorphic projections. That is to say, the Earth's surface, or part thereof, is developed on the surface of a cylinder, and there is practically no angular distortion, an angle on the surface of the Earth being represented on the map by almost precisely the same angle. The representation of meridians and parallels, for instance, shows them intersecting at right angles as they actually do on the Earth's surface; but this orthotomic condition, though essential, is not in itself sufficient for orthomorphism.     

Seven possible states of geospatial data with respect to map projection and definition: a novel pedagogical device for GIS education

ABSTRACT

Conceptually, the theory and implementation of “map projection” in geographic information system (GIS) technology is difficult to comprehend for most introductory students and novice users. Compounding this difficulty is the concept of a “map projection file” that defines map projection parameters of geo-spatial data. The problem of the “missing projection file” appears ubiquitous for all users, especially in practice where data is widely shared. Another common problem is inadvertent misapplication of the “Define Projection” tool that can result in a GIS dataset with an incorrectly defined map projection file. GIS education should provide more guidance in differentiating the concepts of map projection versus projection files by increasing understanding and minimizing common errors. A novel pedagogical device is introduced in this paper: the seven possible states of GIS data with respect to map projection and definition. The seven possible states are: (1) a projected coordinate system (PCS) that is correctly defined, (2) a PCS that is incorrectly defined, (3) a PCS that is undefined, (4) a geographic coordinate system (GCS) that is correctly defined, (5) a GCS that is incorrectly defined, (6) a GCS that is undefined, and (7) a non-GCS. Recently created automated troubleshooting tools to determine a missing map projection file are discussed.     

Calculating Map Projections for the Ellipsoid

Application of standard map projections to the ellipsoidal Earth is often considered excessively difficult. Using a few symbols for frequently-used combinations, exact equations may be shown in compact form for ellipsoidal versions of conformal, equal-area, and equidistant projections developed onto the cone, cylinder (in conventional position), and plane, as well as for the polyconic projection. Series are needed only for true distances along meridians. The formulas are quite interrelated. The ellipsoidal transverse and oblique Mercator projections remain more involved. An adaptation of the Space Oblique Mercator projection provides a new ellipsoidal oblique Mercator which, unlike Hotine's, retains true scale throughout the length of the central line.     

Global optimization of the Gauss conformal mappings of an ellipsoid to a sphere

The Gauss conformal mappings (GCMs) of an oblate ellipsoid of revolution to a sphere are those that transform the meridians into meridians, and the parallels into parallels of the sphere. The infinitesimal-scale function associated with these mappings depends on the geodetic latitude and contains three parameters, including the radius of the sphere. Gauss derived these constants by imposing local optimum conditions on certain parallel. We deal with the problem of finding the constants to minimize the Chebyshev or maximum norm of the logarithm of the infinitesimal-scale function on a given ellipsoidal segment (the region contained between two parallels). We show how to solve this minimax problem using the intrinsic function fminsearch of Matlab. For a particular ellipsoidal segment, we get the solution and show the alternation property characteristic of best Chebyshev approximations. For a pair of points relatively close in the ellipsoid at different latitudes, the best minimax GCM on the segment defined by these points is used to approximate the geodesic distance between them by the spherical distance between their projections on the corresponding sphere. This approach, combined with the best locally GCM if the points are on the same parallel, is illustrated by applying it to some case studies but specially to a 10° × 10° region contained between portions of two parallels and two meridians. In this case, the maximum absolute error of this spherical approximation is equal to 2.9 mm occurring at a distance about 1,360 km. This error decreases up to 0.94 mm on an 8° × 8° region of this type. So, the spherical approximation to the solution of the inverse geodesic problem by best GCM can be acceptable in many practical geodetic activities.     

A DIRECT METHOD OF TRANSFORMIG RECTANGULAR COORDINATES FROM THE CASSINI PROJECTION TO THE GAUSS CONFORMAL PROJECTION

Abstract

I. Introduction.-For some little time the Ordnance Survey was engaged upon the problem of transforming the rectangular coordinates of trigonometrical stations from the Cassini projection to the Gauss Conformal projection. The problem was complicated by the fact that the Cassini projection, as is well known, was applied to a number of meridians of origin, a different meridian being used for a county or a group of counties. It was proposed, however, to have only one meridian for the Gauss projection and to drop the county meridians completely. In both projections the northings were measured from the same parallel.     

MARGINAL SCALES OF LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE ON TRANSVERSE MERCATOR MAPS

Abstract

The problem of computing marginal scales of latitude and longitude on a rectangular map on the Transverse Mercator projection, where the sheet boundaries are projection co-ordinate lines, may be solved in various ways. A simple method is to compute the latitudes and longitudes of the four corners of the sheet, and then, assuming a constant scale, to interpolate the parallels and meridians between these corner values. Although it is probably sufficiently accurate for practical purposes, this method is not precise. It is not difficult to adapt the fundamental formulce of the projection to give a direct solution of the problem.     

Mixed cylindric map projections of the ellipsoid of revolution

The mixed spherical map projections of equiareal, cylindric type are based upon the Lambert projection and the sinusoidal Sanson–Flamsteed projection. These cylindric and pseudo-cylindric map projections of the sphere are generalized to the ellipsoid of revolution (biaxial ellipsoid). They are used in consequence by two lemmas to generate a horizontal and a vertical weighted mean of equiareal cylindric map projections of the ellipsoid of revolution. Its left–right deformation analysis via further results leads to the left–right principal stretches/eigenvalues and left–right eigenvectors/eigenspace, as well as the maximal left–right angular distortion for these new mixed cylindric map projections of ellipsoidal type. Detailed illustrations document the cartographic synergy of mixed cylindric map projections. Received: 23 April 1996 / Accepted: 19 April 1997     

AIR SURVEY AND THE PHOTOGRAPH

Abstract

As air-photographs are being more and more used for survey purposes, Empire surveyors who have not yet made a thorough study of aerial survey may be interested in a little elementary photographic geometry and its application to map-making. A map may be described as an orthogonal proj ection of the ground upon a horizontal plane, reduced to some convenient scale, and a photograph as a conical projection of the ground upon the focal plane of the camera. If the focal plane is horizontal at the instant of exposure and the ground being photographed is perfectly level, the two projections are exactly similar and the photograph is indeed a map. Unfortunately these conditions which are illustrated in fig. 1 are extremely rarely encountered, and photographs usually need correcting for various distortions.     

变比例尺地图投影系统

本文对编制城市游览图提出了变比例尺地图投影系统。通过由普通城市平面图向辅助球面作逆投影A,再由辅助球面向平面作非A投影,构成了变比例尺地图的数学基础。由不同性质的投影的组合,能起到适应不同城市街区结构的特点。使本系统具有相当的灵活性。文中还讨论了辅助球适宜的大小和不同方位投影之间的变换公式。文末试作了北京市的变比例尺地图。     

等距离球面高斯投影

针对传统高斯投影直接基于等角横切圆柱投影而带来的不能直接用球面坐标换算等问题,研究了一种运用等距离球面进行投影的高斯投影,即等距离球面高斯投影。借助等距离纬度正反解公式,推导了等距离球面高斯投影的正反解公式,分析了其经纬线变形情况;基于投影公式,计算和分析了等距离球面高斯投影的长度变形、角度变形、面积变形及子午线收敛角等参数;最后与传统高斯投影进行比较,说明了该投影的可用性。     

Qibla,and Related,Map Projections

The qibla problem—determination of the direction to Mecca—has given rise to retro-azimuthal map projections, an interesting, albeit unusual and little known, class of map projections. Principal contributors to this subject were Craig and Hammer, both writing in 1910. A property of retro-azimuthal projections is that the parallels are bent downwards towards the equator. The resulting maps, when extended to the entire world, thus must overlap themselves. An unusual recent discovery from Iran suggests that Muslims might have been prior inventors of a similar projection, by at least several centuries. A later corollary by Schoy leads to a new "cylindrical" azimuthal map projection with parallels bending away from the equator, here illustrated for the first time.     

An Analysis of a Modified van der Grinten Equatorial Arbitrary Oval Projection

The choice of a projection for world distributions depends on a number of considerations. Primarily this involves the properties of equivalence and conformality. But there are instances where requirements regarding the use of these mutually exclusive properties would allow a compromise projection. This article presents the mathematical basis, a construction procedure, and an analysis of area and angular deformation of one such projection, a modified van der Grinten.

Mathematical expressions are derived which are used to locate parallels and meridians. Parallels of the modified grid are straight lines located at an increasing distance from the equator. Meridians are arcs of circles intersecting the construction equator truly. Distribution of S and 2ω are shown.     

MODERN INFLUENCES ON THE UNIVERSITY ASPECT OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN SURVEYING

Abstract

Surveying in, the sense in which I propose to consider it this evening, is the technical term given to the science of admeasuring and delineating the physical features of the earth and of works executed or proposed upon its surface. I am in some difficulty over a precise definition which will satisfy everyone since, although “surveying” is generally understood in the English language to have the above meaning, there is a growing tendency to use the somewhat restricted term” land survey"; restricted since it implies omission of hydrographic, hydrological and other forms of measurement of natural features and of setting out. This is, of course, not so.     

ON THE LAMBERT CONFORMAL PROJECTION AS APPLIED IN CHINA

Abstract

There are no proper projections for use in geodetic work in a country which has great extensions both in latitude and longitude. For, if a single projection of any kind be applied in such a case, the linear and angular distortions would be so great at the boundary that it is very difficult or even impossible to apply the corrections to them. In order to render it possible for any projection to be applied, the area in question should be divided either into strips bounded by meridians or into zones bounded by parallels. In the former case the Transverse Mercator or Gauss’ projection may be used, while in the latter, the Lambert conformal projection is the most suitable. China is such a country as that mentioned above. It covers an area extending from 16°N. to 53°N. in latitude and of no less than sixty-five degrees in longitude. The problem of choosing a projection for geodetic work depends only on how the area is to be divided. It has been decided by the Central Land Survey of China to adopt the Lambert conformal projection as the basis for the co-ordinate system, and, in order to meet the requirements of geodetic work, the whole country is subdivided into eleven zones bounded by parallels including a spacing of 3½ degrees in latitude-difference. To each of these zones is applied a Lambert projection, properly chosen so as to fit it best. The two standard parallels of the projection are situated at one-seventh of the latitude-difference of the zone from the top and bottom. Thus, the spacing between the standard parallels is 2½ degrees. This gives a maximum value of the scale factor of less than one part in four thousand, thus reducing the distortions of any kind to a reasonable amount. The area between these parallels belongs to the zone proper, while those outside are the overlapping regions with the adjacent ones. All the zones can be extended indefinitely both eastwards and westwards to include the boundaries of the country.     

A TRANSVERSE MERCATOR PROJECTION OF THE SPHEROID ALTERNATIVE TO THE GAUSS-KRÜGER FORM

Abstract

The excuse for yet another paper on the Transverse Mercator projection, which has already received what should be more than its fair share of space in this Review, can only be that there is a fresh viewpoint to offer. It is the purpose of this paper to show that there are, in fact, two “Transverse Mercator” projections of the spheroid, of which one has hitherto almost escaped notice.     

THE CONVERGENCE OF MERIDIANS

Abstract

Some publications that have dealt with the question of convergence of meridians seem, to the present writer, to be clouded with misconception, and these notes are intended to clarify some points of apparent obscurity. For instance, A. E. Young, in “Some Investigations in the Theory of Map Projections”, I920, devoted a short chapter to the subject, and appeared surprised to find that the convergence on the Transverse Mercator projection differs from the spheroidal convergence; the explanation which he advanced can be shown to be faulty. Captain G. T. McCaw, in E.S.R., v, 35, 285, derived an expression for the Transverse Mercator convergence which is equal to the spheroidal convergence, and described this as “a result which might be expected in an orthomorphic system”. Perhaps McCaw did not intend his remark to be so interpreted, but it seems to imply that the convergence on any orthomorphic projection should be equal to the spheroidal convergence, and it is easily demonstrated that this is not so. Also, in the second edition of “Survey Computations” there is given a formula for the convergence on the Cassini projection which is identical, as far as it goes, with that given for the Transverse Mercator, while the Cassini convergence as given by Young is actually the spheroidal convergence. Obviously, there is some confusion somewhere, and it is small wonder that Young prefaced his remarks with the admission that the subject had always presented some difficulty to him.