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Classification of Zenithal Projections

The document discusses different types of zenithal map projections. Zenithal projections are divided based on the position of the plane on the globe into polar, equatorial, and oblique. They are also divided based on the source of light into perspective projections using a point light source, and non-perspective using mathematical principles. Perspective projections include gnomonic, stereographic, and orthographic, while non-perspective include zenithal equidistant and zenithal equal area.

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Nadir Khan
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457 views5 pages

Classification of Zenithal Projections

The document discusses different types of zenithal map projections. Zenithal projections are divided based on the position of the plane on the globe into polar, equatorial, and oblique. They are also divided based on the source of light into perspective projections using a point light source, and non-perspective using mathematical principles. Perspective projections include gnomonic, stereographic, and orthographic, while non-perspective include zenithal equidistant and zenithal equal area.

Uploaded by

Nadir Khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ZENITHAL PROJECTIONS

The fundamental assumption underlying the zenithal projections is that a plane (flat sheet of paper) is made tangent to a

transparent globe and light is focused on it from, within or outside the globe to produce an image of the parallels and meridians

on the plane. The point where the plane of paper touches the globe is known as the centre of projection. The direction of all

points with reference to the centre of the projection is always correct. These projections are, therefore, known as azimuthal

projections also.

All the zenithal projections are divided by supposing a plane surface tangent to the globe. The plane can be tangent to a

globe and can occupy several positions. Accordingly, zenithal projections may be divided into three groups with reference to

the 'Position of thePlane on the Globe'.

1. Polar Zenithal Projections: - When the plane touches the globe on one of the poles.

2. Equatorial Zenithal Projections: - When the plane surface is a tangent at any point on the equator.

3. Oblique Zenithal Projections: - When the plane touches the globe at a point in between the pole and equator.

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Position of Plane on the Globe

N N N

S S S

Polar Zenithal Equatorial Zenithal Oblique Zenithal


Projection Projection Projection

Fig: Types of Zenithal Projections on the Basis of Position of the Plane on the Globe.

On the basis of 'Source of Light', the zenithal projections are divided into two categories:

A) Perspective Zenithal Projections

B) Non-Perspective Zenithal Projections

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A. Perspective Zenithal Projection:

When we use source of light for drawing a zenithal projection, it is known as perspective zenithal projection. There are

three types of perspective zenithal projections.

N N N

Point of
Projection

Point of Projection Point of Projection at Infinity


GNOMONIC STEREOGRAPHIC ORTHOGRAPHIC

Fig: Types of Zenithal Projections on the Basis of Source of Light

i. Gnomonic or Central Projection: - When the light is at the centre of the globe.

ii. Stereographic Projection: - When the light is at a point diametrically opposite the point of contact of the tangent plane.
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iii. Orthographic Projection: - When the light is at infinity, so that the rays of light are parallel.

B. Non-Perspective Zenithal Projections:

In these projections, no source of light is used and the construction of these projections is based on simple principles of

mathematics. Two important projections of this category are:

i. Zenithal Equidistant Projection.

ii. Zenithal Equal Area Projection.

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CLASSIFICATION OF ZENITHAL PROJECTIONS

Position of Plane on the Plobe Source of Light

Polar Equatorial Oblique

Perspective

Gnomonic Stereographic Orthographic

Polar Equatorial Oblique Polar Equatorial Oblique Polar Equatorial Oblique

Non-Perspective

Equidistant Equal Area

Polar Equatorial Oblique Polar Equatorial Oblique

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