mollweide projection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “mollweide projection” mean?
A specific equal-area map projection used to represent the world, typically in an oval shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific equal-area map projection used to represent the world, typically in an oval shape.
A cartographic technique used for world maps that preserves area at the expense of shape and direction, often used in thematic mapping to accurately represent the relative sizes of landmasses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of 'projection' is consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical term with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects, confined to academic and professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mollweide projection” in a Sentence
The [map/visualisation] uses a Mollweide projection.A Mollweide projection is employed for [thematic/world] maps.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in geography, geoscience, and data visualisation courses and literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare; unknown to the general public.
Technical
Standard term in cartography and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mollweide projection”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mollweide projection”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mollweide projection”
- Misspelling: 'Mollweid', 'Molweide', 'Mollwide'.
- Incorrect pronunciation with /w/ as in 'we' instead of /v/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is named after the German mathematician and astronomer Karl Brandan Mollweide, who presented it in 1805.
No, it is not. It distorts shapes and directions, especially near the edges. It is designed for statistical or thematic world maps where accurate area comparison is key.
It is typically an ellipse (an oval shape) with straight horizontal parallels and curved meridians.
Yes, the Mercator projection. It preserves shape (conformal) but drastically distorts area, making landmasses near the poles appear much larger than they are.
A specific equal-area map projection used to represent the world, typically in an oval shape.
Mollweide projection is usually technical in register.
Mollweide projection: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒlˈvaɪdə prəˈdʒɛkʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːlˈvaɪdə prəˈdʒɛkʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Mollweide's map is OVAL, like a big O, and keeps Areas Very Accurate (A=VA).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WORLD IS AN ELLIPTICAL CANVAS (where area is truthfully painted).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary advantage of the Mollweide projection?