Eckert II Projection
Apr 3,2026

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Introduction

Eckert II Projection is a pseudocylindrical equal-area map projection proposed by German cartographer Max Eckert in 1906. As the second projection in the Eckert series, it shares the same geometric framework as Eckert I—equally spaced straight meridians interrupted at the equator, a central meridian half the length of the equator, and uniformly distributed straight parallels—but introduces a critical mathematical modification to achieve equal-area property. The poles are represented as straight lines half the length of the equator, and the projection maintains zero area distortion globally, making it a rare example of a simple pseudocylindrical equal-area projection.

Projection Basic

Eckert II Projection is a pseudocylindrical equal-area projection proposed by German cartographer Max Eckert in 1906. As the second of six projections in the Eckert series, it retains the same geometric structure as Eckert I—equally spaced straight meridians interrupted at the equator, a central meridian straight line only half the length of the projected equator, and uniformly distributed straight parallels—but modifies the mathematical formulation to enforce equal-area conditions. The poles are represented as straight lines half the equator’s length, and the projection achieves zero area distortion globally. Scale is correct only along the 45° north and south parallels, and distortion increases progressively toward higher latitudes and away from the central meridian.

Pros

Strict area preservation: As an equal-area projection, Eckert II maintains exact area relationships between landmasses and oceans worldwide. This makes it suitable for thematic maps requiring accurate area comparisons, such as population density, agricultural land use, or forest cover distribution.
Mathematical simplicity: Like Eckert I, all meridians and parallels are straight lines, resulting in an exceptionally simple computational model. The equal-area condition is achieved through straightforward algebraic adjustments, making it easy to implement in custom mapping applications or educational settings.
Uniform distortion pattern: The equally spaced straight parallels and interrupted meridians create a consistent and predictable distortion field. Scale remains constant along any given parallel, facilitating interpretation of latitudinal distortion gradients.

Cons

Severe equatorial discontinuity: The interruption of meridians at the equator introduces an unnatural visual break across tropical regions. Tissot indicatrices are of indeterminate shape at the equator, creating a zone where distortion cannot be meaningfully quantified and map readability is significantly compromised.
Substantial shape distortion: Although area is preserved, shape distortion is extreme—particularly in mid- to high-latitude regions. Landmasses such as North America, Eurasia, and Antarctica appear severely stretched horizontally near the poles, reducing geographic intuitiveness and making the map difficult for general audiences to interpret.
Limited practical adoption: Due to its unusual appearance and equatorial interruption, Eckert II has never gained widespread acceptance in professional cartography. Major mapping organizations, including the National Geographic Society and national mapping agencies, do not use this projection for any standard application.
Poor software support: Major GIS platforms such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and MapInfo do not include Eckert II as a default projection option. Users must manually define projection parameters or write custom scripts to generate it, severely limiting its utility in routine geographic information analysis.

Application Scenario

Given its equal-area property but severe shape distortion and equatorial discontinuity, Eckert II finds extremely limited practical application. It may occasionally appear in thematic world maps where area accuracy is the sole concern and shape readability is irrelevant—for example, in highly abstracted global resource distribution diagrams or experimental cartographic visualizations. Some historical atlases and academic publications from the mid-20th century include Eckert II as an example of early equal-area pseudocylindrical designs. In modern practice, however, virtually any application that requires global equal-area mapping is better served by other projections. For general equal-area world maps, cartographers strongly recommend Eckert IV (more balanced shape distortion) or Eckert VI (smoother appearance); for interrupted equal-area maps, the Goode Homolosine projection is overwhelmingly preferred due to its ability to minimize distortion by interrupting oceans. The Sinusoidal projection also offers equal-area property with simpler mathematics and better shape preservation near the equator. Consequently, Eckert II remains a historical footnote rather than an active cartographic tool, useful primarily for academic discussions of projection evolution or as a pedagogical example demonstrating that equal-area property alone does not guarantee map utility.