Mercator projection
The Mercator projection is a cylindrical map projection which is widely used in cartography today. It was developed by Gerardus Mercator in 1569. It is not a physical projection, and cannot be constructed using geometric tools. On a small scale, geometric shapes can be moved around the map, without distorting them (this property is known as conformity). As a downside, the scale of the shape and the direction of lines may change when shapes are moved. For example, Africa is actually 15 times larger than Greenland, but on this map projection they look the same size.
Today, Mercator projections are mainly used for maps.
Mercator Projection Media
Mercator projection of the world between 85°S and 85°N. Note the size comparison of Greenland and Africa.
The Mercator projection with Tissot's indicatrix of deformation.
Mercator 1569 world map (Nova et Aucta Orbis Terrae Descriptio ad Usum Navigantium Emendate Accommodata) showing latitudes 66°S to 80°N.
Proportions of apparent size and real size (animated)
Cylindrical Projection basics2
The scale factor as a function of latitude in the Mercator projection.
World Scale from DMA Series 1150 map
Tissot's indicatrices on the Mercator projection
The vertical displacement (y) of the parallels in a Mercator projection.
