Date of Award
1977
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Geography
Department
Geography
First Advisor
Gerald H. Krausse
Abstract
Distortion inherent in map projections can effect the delimitation of maritime boundaries. Thirty-nine maps of three study areas representative of the world were drawn, and the envelope and median line offshore boundaries were constructed on them. Every country’s enclosed boundary area was measured in each of the four categories of distortion; equivalency, conformality, equidistance and constant bearing. How a nation wants to use or develop the territory within its sea boundary can be associated with the preservation or deformation of one or two of these distortive qualities. The distortion data was tabulated and ranked according to total scores. The result revealed a number of projects that indicate a wide range of usefulness depending on the degree of deformation and preservation of properties for a particular study area. Depending on the longitudinal and latitudinal position, maritime activities are variously effect by the amount of deformation and preservation inherent in each projection. Thus depending on a nation’s global location and its interest in the use of its enclosed offshore boundary area, the most appropriate choice of projection is recommended for polar, mid-latitudinal and equatorial maritime areas.
Recommended Citation
Gedney, Austin H. III, "Distortion in Map Projections: Its Effect on the Interpretation of Maritime Boundaries and Related Activities" (1977). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2069.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2069
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