Miller Cylindrical Projection

GISBox is a one-stop 3D GIS data editing, conversion and publishing platform that supports editing in multiple GIS formats such as OSGB/GEOTIFF/RVT, converting to 3DTiles/Terrain and publishing.

Introduction

Miller Cylindrical Projection is a map projection method that projects the earth’s surface onto a two-dimensional plane. Its characteristic is that it emphasizes the left-right symmetry (mirror effect) of geographic information. This method is mainly used in scenes that value visual balance and overall grasp. It does not focus on the distance or shape from a specific center point, but focuses more on overall visibility and comparability.

This projection method is different from the regular geodetic projection method and is usually not provided as a standard function in general cartography or GIS tools. However, it is often used in visual analysis, education, or visualization to show the relationship between specific areas.

Projection Basics

Latitude and longitude data: based on geographic coordinate systems such as WGS84 (EPSG:4326)
**XY coordinates after projection transformation: **generated through a unique mirror processing algorithm
**GeoJSON, Shapefile, KML: **formats used as basic data
Image visualization formats: PNG, SVG, etc. are often used for final graphic display

Pros

Able to visualize the overall structure symmetrically, making it easier to compare and understand
Suitable for intuitively showing the correlation or symmetry between specific areas
Has a unique form of expression, strong visual impact, suitable for education and exhibitions

Cons

The errors of distance, area and angle are large, which is not suitable for measurement or precise analysis
The geographical reality is destroyed and it is not suitable as a map for actual business use
The projection algorithm has not been standardized and there are reproducibility issues

Application Scenario

Mirror projection is suitable for expressing the contrast between the two hemispheres of the earth, or for visualizing the social or economic differences between urban and rural areas, developed and developing countries. In addition, it can also be used as an auxiliary teaching material for learning geographical symmetry in educational scenarios; in the media and exhibitions, it can also be displayed as part of infographics. In the field of research, it can also be used to discover specific patterns or visualize the analysis of relationships.

Example

Miller cylindrical projection map.

Satellite image processed using the Miller cylindrical projection.

Mercator Projection

Transverse Mercator Projection

Wagner Projection

Longitude / Latitude Projection