homolographic projection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “homolographic projection” mean?
A map projection that preserves relative area, meaning all regions on the map are shown with their correct proportional sizes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A map projection that preserves relative area, meaning all regions on the map are shown with their correct proportional sizes.
A specific type of equal-area map projection used in cartography to accurately represent the comparative sizes of Earth's features, often at the expense of shape, angle, or scale fidelity. The term is synonymous with 'equal-area projection'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The synonymous term 'equal-area projection' is more common in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. 'Homolographic' is a more formal, less frequently used synonym.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, used almost exclusively in advanced cartographic literature. 'Equal-area projection' is the standard term.
Grammar
How to Use “homolographic projection” in a Sentence
The [map/cartographer] uses a homolographic projection to show [area/feature].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homolographic projection” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The homolographic property is essential for thematic mapping.
American English
- The homolographic property is critical for thematic mapping.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in advanced geography, cartography, and geoscience publications and lectures.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context, used in technical specifications for maps and GIS software.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homolographic projection”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homolographic projection”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homolographic projection”
- Confusing it with 'homologous' (from biology) or 'orthographic projection' (from engineering).
- Misspelling as 'homographic projection'.
- Assuming it also preserves shapes (it does not).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the terms are synonymous in cartography. 'Homolographic' is a less common, more formal term for 'equal-area'.
You would use it when the truthful comparison of areas (e.g., the size of continents, countries, or ecosystems) is more important than preserving the shapes of those features.
It severely distorts shapes, especially near the poles. For example, on many homolographic maps, Greenland appears stretched horizontally.
No, it is mathematically impossible for a map projection to preserve both area (homolographic) and shape (conformal) simultaneously, except for a map of a very small area.
A map projection that preserves relative area, meaning all regions on the map are shown with their correct proportional sizes.
Homolographic projection: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒmələ(ʊ)ˈɡræfɪk prəˈdʒɛkʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊmələˈɡræfɪk prəˈdʒɛkʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOMO (same) + GRAPHIC (drawing) = a drawing where areas are the SAME relative size.
Conceptual Metaphor
A fair pie chart of the world: every slice's size is accurate, even if its shape is distorted.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a homolographic projection?