Interactive projection study
Equal Earth Projection Explained
Equal Earth is a pseudocylindrical equal-area projection designed by Bojan Šavrič, Tom Patterson, and Bernhard Jenny.
What is a map projection?
A projection transforms positions on the spherical Earth into coordinates on a flat surface. Distortion is unavoidable, so each projection prioritizes different properties.
What problem does Equal Earth solve?
It shows countries and continents with correct relative area while retaining a rounded, approachable overall world shape.
How Equal Earth works
Its mathematical formula preserves area everywhere. Curved outer meridians suggest the globe, while straight parallels make latitude easy to compare.
Equal Earth vs Robinson
The two projections have similarly rounded outlines, but Robinson is a compromise projection while Equal Earth rigorously preserves area.
Primary sources and method
Map geometry uses Natural Earth 1:110m boundaries. Projection math uses D3’s spherical implementations. Area values are rounded and may vary slightly with coastline, inland-water, and boundary conventions.
- Natural Earth 1:110m country boundaries
- Equal Earth projection project
- D3 geographic projections
- United Nations Statistics area data
- African Union area reference
Published September 7, 2026 · Last reviewed September 7, 2026