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Stereographic

Release 9.2
Last modified August 3, 2007
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Description

This projection is conformal.

Illustration of the Stereographic projection


Projection method

Planar perspective projection, viewed from the point on the globe opposite the point of tangency. Stereographic projects points on a spheroid directly to the plane.
Learn about the Double Stereographic projection
All meridians and parallels are shown as circular arcs or straight lines. Graticular intersections are 90°. In the equatorial aspect, the parallels curve in opposite directions on either side of the equator. In the oblique case, only the parallel with the opposite sign to the central latitude is a straight line; other parallels are concave toward the poles on either side of the straight parallel.


Point of contact

A single point anywhere on the globe.


Linear graticules




Properties


Shape



Conformal. Local shapes are accurate.

Area



True scale at center with distortion increasing with distance.

Direction



Directions are accurate from the center. Local angles are accurate everywhere.

Distance



Scale increases with distance from the center.


Limitations

Normally limited to one hemisphere. Portions of the outer hemisphere may be shown, but with rapidly increasing distortion.


Uses and applications

The oblique aspect has been used to map circular regions on the moon, Mars, and Mercury.


Parameters


Desktop




Stereographic_North_Pole

Stereographic_South_Pole


Workstation




Type 1 parameters

Type 2 parameters


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