Orthomorphic projection is a term used in cartography to describe a map projection that preserves the correct shape of features. The word is spelled /ɔrθoʊˈmɔrfɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial /ɔr/ reflects the Greek origin of the word, meaning "straight" or "correct". The /θoʊ/ represents the "th" sound in "ortho-", and the following /mɔr/ is pronounced like "more". The final syllable is /fɪk/, with the stress on the second-to-last syllable.
Orthomorphic projection, also known as conformal projection, refers to a cartographic projection technique that accurately represents the shape and angles of features on a curved surface, such as the Earth, on a flat plane. The term "orthomorphic" comes from the Greek words "ortho," meaning correct or true, and "morph," meaning shape or form, indicating its focus on maintaining accurate shape representations.
Because the Earth is a three-dimensional object, projecting its curved surface onto a two-dimensional map inevitably results in some distortions. However, orthomorphic projection aims to minimize shape distortion by preserving the local angles and proportions in small areas, thus maintaining a faithful representation of the original shapes. This property makes orthomorphic projections suitable for various applications, such as navigation, meteorology, and urban planning, where accurate depiction of shapes and angles is crucial.
Different cartographic projections achieve orthomorphic features using various mathematical techniques, but common examples include the Mercator, Lambert Conformal Conic, and Stereographic projections. Each of these projections offers unique characteristics and advantages, such as preserving specific areas or maintaining rhumb lines as straight lines. However, it's important to note that no single orthomorphic projection can capture the entire Earth's surface without any distortion, and the choice of projection depends on the specific application and location being represented.
The word "orthomorphic" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "ortho", which means "straight" or "right", and "morphe", which means "form" or "shape". "Projection" refers to the method used to represent a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "orthomorphic projection" suggests that it is a projection method that accurately represents the shape and form of an object, maintaining correct angles and proportions.