Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Distortion In Map Projections: Its Effect On The Interpretation Of Maritime Boundaries And Related Activities, Austin H. Gedney Iii

Theses and Major Papers

Distortion inherent in map projections can effect the delimitation of maritime boundaries. Thirty-nine maps of three study areas representative of the world were drawn, and the envelope and median line offshore boundaries were constructed on them. Every country's enclosed boundary area was measure in each of the four categories of distortion; equivalency, conformality, equidistance and constant bearing. The result revealed a number of projections that indicate a wide range of usefulness depending on the degree of deformation and preservation of properties for a particular study area.