Jarke J. van Wijk
Mapping the earth is a classic problem. Distortion seems inevitable,
and many mathematicians, cartographers, artists and designers have
proposed projection methods. However, if we do not care about
interrupts, maps that are almost free of distortion can be obtained.
Or, in other words, it is easy to flatten an orange peel, isn't it?
The method is based on projecting the globe on a myriahedron, a
polyhedron with many facets. Next, this myriahedron is unfolded,
giving an almost distortion free projection. By selecting the way
the facets are placed and deciding where to cut and fold many
variations can be produced. The examples shown in the video are
inspired by classical maps; projections on subdivided Platonic
solids; the use of meshes aligned by continents; and torn meshes.