The Atoff projection is a type of map projection used to represent the Earth's entire surface in a two-dimensional form. Named after its creator, John Atoff, a Russian mathematician, this cylindrical projection aims to minimize distortion in both shape and area, particularly near the poles. The Atoff projection is classified as an equal-area projection, meaning that it accurately preserves the relative sizes of landmasses across the map.
In the Atoff projection, the Earth's globe is nestled within a cylindrical projection, which is then stretched vertically to form an oval shape. This stretching helps to maintain the accuracy in terms of proportions between different areas on the map. The meridians, or lines of longitude, are evenly spaced throughout the map, forming straight vertical lines that converge at the poles. The parallels, or lines of latitude, are elliptical arcs that become more compressed as they approach the poles.
The Atoff projection shows the entire Earth's surface, including both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, in a single map. The poles are presented as straight lines running horizontally across the top and bottom of the map. This projection is widely used in various areas of cartography, including spatial analysis, navigation, and geographical research.
Overall, the Atoff projection is an important tool for representing the Earth's surface with minimal distortion. By preserving equal areas across the map while reducing distortion near the poles, this cylindrical projection allows for a more accurate portrayal of landmasses and facilitates comparison between different regions and their sizes.
