Ever wondered what the world would look like if viewed through a completely different lens? The Hellerick Triaxial Boreal projection offers exactly that, a fresh perspective on our planet that challenges the way we typically visualize Earth’s geography.
What Makes This Projection Special?
This map projection was invented as a modification of the projection we see in the UN emblem, but with a unique twist: it uses three main meridians perpendicular to each other (specifically at 70°W, 20°E, and 110°E).
What makes it particularly striking is how the farther all the other meridians go from the North Pole, the stronger the distortion becomes, creating that distinctive circular appearance.
Unlike the familiar Mercator projection that dominates our atlases and Google Maps, the Hellerick projection places the North Pole at the very center of the map. This creates a radial view of the world where continents spiral outward from the Arctic, giving us an almost satellite-eye view looking down at Earth from above.
The Technical Details
The projection uses specific axial meridians at E 20, E 130, and W 70, with inter-axial meridians at W 22.5, E 63, and W 150. The technical specifications include meridional stretching of 0.8, which helps maintain certain geographical relationships while creating the projection’s distinctive appearance.
This isn’t just an artistic choice. It’s a deliberate mathematical approach to solving one of cartography’s oldest problems: how do you accurately represent a three-dimensional sphere on a two-dimensional surface?
Strengths and Limitations
Every map projection involves trade-offs, and the Hellerick is no exception. While it offers a visually striking and unique perspective on global geography, critics note that regions like Pakistan and Afghanistan appear deformed, and the projection has a Eurocentric bias.
Additionally, Antarctica is not visible in this projection, which focuses on the northern hemisphere and equatorial regions.
The circular format does create some unusual geographical relationships. Countries that seem far apart on traditional maps might appear closer together here, while others that are typically adjacent may seem more distant.
This can actually be educational, helping us recognize how our mental maps of the world are shaped by the projections we’re most familiar with.
Why Different Projections Matter
Maps aren’t just tools, they shape how we think about the world. The Hellerick Triaxial Boreal projection reminds us that there’s no single “correct” way to represent Earth on paper or screen.
Each projection emphasizes different aspects of our planet’s geography and can reveal relationships between places that other maps might obscure.
For those accustomed to seeing North America prominently displayed on the left side of world maps, this projection offers a refreshing change of perspective. It places North America, Europe, and Asia in a more integrated circular relationship, highlighting the Arctic connections between these continents that traditional projections often minimize.
Whether you’re a geography enthusiast, a student, or simply someone who enjoys seeing familiar things from new angles, the Hellerick Triaxial Boreal projection offers a compelling alternative view of our shared planet. It’s a reminder that there are always new ways to see and understand the world around us.
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