----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Dear Colleagues,
 
Does anyone have any ides on this one?
The enquirer is Georg Nadorff, email address
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--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
>Date: Sun, 14 Dec 1997 02:14:15 -0500
>From: gnadorff <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: map projection question
>Sender: gnadorff <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
 
>Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
>Message-ID: <[log in to unmask]>
 
 
Dear Mr. Nick Millea,
 
I am interested in seeing a projection of the earth where the poles are
not the traditional north and south pole.  I have never seen such a map
nor have ever heard of one before.
 
Regardless of what type of projection is chosen, cylindrical, conical,
azimuthal, or whatever, the poles of the sphere to be mapped must first
be defined.  It is always implicit that for earth (or any planet) the
poles are chosen to lie on the planet's rotational axis.  This makes
practical sense of course.  However, I would greatly like to see what a
world map would look like if the poles were chosen at two opposing
points along the equator.  Or for that matter, along any other line that
does not happen to be the rotational axis.  While of little practical
value, I'm certain it
would nevertheless be interesting and fascinating to look at.
 
Do you know if such a map has been published?  If not, can you
recommend any software that lets one arbitrarily define the poles and
then make a variety of projections of the continents and landforms?
 
Must I obtain a degree in cartography before my map dream becomes a
reality?
 
Thank you for any contacts or advice.
 
Sincerely,
Georg Nadorff
--- End Forwarded Message ---
 
 
________________________________________________________
 
Nick Millea
Map Curator, Bodleian Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
tel       : 01865 277013
fax      : 01865 277139
email : [log in to unmask]
 
homepage: http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/guides/maps/
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