Definition

Noun: An equal-area map projection that represents parallels of latitude and the equator as straight lines, while representing other meridians (lines of longitude) as curved lines. It is specifically designed for accurately mapping tropical latitudes.

Usage

The Sanson-Flamsteed projection is a technical term used in cartography (map-making) and geography. It is used to describe a specific method of projecting the spherical Earth onto a flat surface while preserving the accurate relative sizes (areas) of landmasses, particularly useful for equatorial regions.

Examples

• The Sanson-Flamsteed projection minimizes distortion of area, making it suitable for world maps focused on thematic data like population density.
• For their climate study of the tropics, the researchers chose a base map using the Sanson-Flamsteed projection.
• Compared to the Mercator projection, the Sanson-Flamsteed projection provides a more accurate representation of the size of continents near the equator.

Advanced Usage

• The projection is also known as the sinusoidal projection or the Mercator equal-area projection, highlighting its key property of preserving area.
• It is classified as a pseudocylindrical projection because it is based on a cylinder but does not maintain true shape (conformality) except along the central meridian and the equator.

Variants and Related Words

• Sinusoidal Projection: A direct synonym for the Sanson-Flamsteed projection.
• Map Projection (n): The general term for any systematic method of representing the Earth's surface on a plane.
• Equal-Area Projection (n): A category of map projections, including the Sanson-Flamsteed, that preserve the property of area.
• Pseudocylindrical Projection (n): A category describing the projection's geometric construction.

Synonyms

• Sinusoidal Projection
• Mercator Equal-Area Projection

Notes on Different Meanings

This term has a single, specific meaning within the field of cartography. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses outside of this technical context.

Noun

1. an equal-area map projection showing parallels and the equator as straight lines and other meridians as curved; used to map tropical latitudes