A statistical reinterpretation and assessment of criteria used for measuring map projection distortion

ABSTRACT

In map projections theory, various criteria have been proposed to evaluate the mean distortion of a map projection over a given area. Reports of studies are not comparable because researchers use different methods for estimating the deviation from the undistorted state. In this paper, statistical methods are extended to be used for averaging map projection distortions over an area. It turns out that the measure known as the Airy–Kavrayskiy criterion stands out as a simple statistical quantity making it a good candidate for standardization. The theoretical arguments are strengthened by a practical map projection optimization exercise.

KEYWORDS:

• Map projection
• distortion value
• logarithmic functions
• statistics
• Airy–Kavrayskiy criterion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.