Graphic map projection for world maps with flex projector (Graphischer netzentwurf für weltkarten mit flex projector)

The design of new map projections has up until to now required specialized mathematical knowledge and was therefore reserved to a small group of experts. To change this situation, Institute of Cartography, ETH Zurich, has developed a new digital method offering cartographers a simple way to design new world map projections. A new projection is developed iteratively within an interactive graphical environment. The representation of the continents and the shape of the graticule can be verified and improved using graphical and numerical tools in Flex Projector. This software application is open-source and available for free (www.flexprojector.com). The design tools in Flex Projector work in tandem with specialized visualizations and numerical indices that help optimize the graticule by illustrating the inevitable angular and areal distortions.