homolosine projection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / TechnicalTechnical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “homolosine projection” mean?
A composite, pseudocylindrical, equal-area map projection used to represent the Earth's surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A composite, pseudocylindrical, equal-area map projection used to represent the Earth's surface.
Specifically, the Goode homolosine projection, which combines the sinusoidal and Mollweide projections to minimize distortion, especially over continents.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Spelling differences (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center') do not apply to this proper noun. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and confined to specialised texts (geography, cartography, GIS) in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “homolosine projection” in a Sentence
The [map/image] uses a homolosine projection.The homolosine projection is useful for [purpose].Compare the [Projection X] to the homolosine projection.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homolosine projection” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The homolosine-projection map clearly shows the relative sizes of continents.
American English
- We need a homolosine-projection base for this climate data.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in a report on global market visualisation.
Academic
Primary context. Used in geography, earth sciences, and cartography textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core context. Used in professional cartography, GIS software, and data visualisation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homolosine projection”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homolosine projection”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homolosine projection”
- Misspelling as 'homosoline' or 'homolosene'.
- Confusing it with the Mollweide or sinusoidal projections individually.
- Assuming it preserves shapes (it does not; it preserves area).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The name is a blend of 'homolographic' (an older term for equal-area) and 'sinusoidal', referring to the two projections it combines.
The interruptions (gaps in the oceans) are a deliberate technique to reduce distortion of shape and area on the continental landmasses.
It was developed by the American cartographer J. Paul Goode in 1923.
Use it when comparing the areas of different world regions (e.g., for thematic maps showing population density, resource distribution) is more important than showing accurate shapes or uninterrupted oceans.
A composite, pseudocylindrical, equal-area map projection used to represent the Earth's surface.
Homolosine projection is usually technical / academic in register.
Homolosine projection: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒm.əˈləʊ.saɪn prəˈdʒek.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊ.məˈloʊ.saɪn prəˈdʒek.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HOMO' (same) + 'LOS' (from 'sinusoidal') + 'INE' – a projection aiming for the same area (homolographic) using a sinusoidal base.
Conceptual Metaphor
A flattened, stitched-together skin of the Earth where every patch has the correct size but may be stretched in shape.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary advantage of the Goode homolosine projection?