The Hobo-Dyer Projection (HDP) takes its place among important map projections. This new HDP map belongs to the family of Cylindrical Equal Area projections in which the latitude and longitude lines form a rectangular grid. Other projections in this family include the Lambert, Gall, Behrmann, Edwards and Peters. The HDP retains qualities of the other equal area cylindrical projections, but is more visually satisfying. Commissioned by ODT, Inc., created by British cartographer, Mick Dyer, the map was derived by modifying the 1910 Behrmann projection.


Image on the reverse side. Click to enlarge.

Behrmann placed the standard parallels at 30 degrees north and south. On the HDP map, the 'cylinder' is assumed to wrap round the globe and cut through it at 37 degrees north and south. In order to preserve the equal area property the shapes of the landmasses become progressively flattened towards the poles, but shapes between 45 degrees north and south are well preserved.

Due to the unusual proportions of the new map, ODT also printed eight other map projections for comparison purposes on the border of the map.

The reverse side - also using the Hobo-Dyer Projection - is a startling 'South-Up' map, with Australia top centre! How does such a simple thing as reversing the poles or changing the 'centering' influence your impression of what's important? It's a great way to shake people up and help them question their assumptions.