A map projection that attempts to balance several projection errors is widely employed in cartography, particularly for thematic maps. It’s neither equal-area nor perfectly conformal, but instead seeks to minimize distortions of area, shape, distance, and direction. This compromise makes it useful for general-purpose world maps, offering a visually appealing representation where no single property is severely compromised. For instance, while landmasses appear somewhat stretched, their relative sizes are more accurate than in some other projections.
The projection’s popularity stems from its suitability for displaying global data, allowing for a relatively accurate overall impression of geographic patterns. Its use became widespread in the late 20th century, replacing other projections in educational settings and publications. Its adoption reflects a growing awareness of the inherent distortions in any flat representation of the spherical Earth and a desire to present a more balanced portrayal, reducing the most egregious errors found in other common world maps. This balanced characteristic makes it a valuable tool for illustrating global distributions and understanding spatial relationships on a planetary scale.
