Cylindrical Projections

A cylindrical projection is obtained by wrapping a large, flat plane around the globe to form a cylinder. In the following figure, the cylinder is tangent to the equator. The closer the zone of tangency the less the distortion.

A Cylindrical Projection (1)

The position of the cylinder can be changed. For example, in a transverse cylindrical projection, the cylinder is tangent to a meridian.

A Cylindrical Projection (2)