Map Accuracy

Map Projections at KR Maps

How we choose the right projection for each map

Every flat map distorts something — that's just math. The Earth is a sphere and a wall is flat. The question is which tradeoffs to make, and we think about that for every map we design.

Sphere Flat map always a tradeoff
Sphere Flat map it's always a tradeoff
Try It Yourself

See the difference projections make

Switch between Mercator, Patterson, and Equal Earth. Drag countries around to watch them grow and shrink.

World Maps

Patterson projection

Most of our world maps use the Patterson projection, created by Tom Patterson — the same cartographer behind the Equal Earth projection that's gaining traction as a better standard for educational and reference maps.

We chose Patterson for wall maps because it hits a good balance: countries are shown much closer to their real size compared to what you see on a traditional Mercator map, and the rectangular layout works well as wall art.

Significantly reduces polar size inflation
Rectangular layout that looks clean on a wall
Created by the cartographer behind Equal Earth
Why It Matters

The same world, different projections

Here's what happens when you change how the sphere is flattened. Same planet, very different results.

Mercator
Notice how inflated the polar regions are
Patterson
What we use — balanced and familiar
Equal Earth
True sizes — available as a poster
USA Maps

Albers Equal-Area Conic

Our USA maps use the Albers Equal-Area Conic projection — the same one used by the U.S. Census Bureau and the USGS. Every state is shown at its correct relative size with minimal shape distortion.

Mapping a single country at mid-latitudes is a much friendlier problem than mapping the whole globe, and the Albers projection handles it cleanly. Alaska and Hawaii are repositioned for layout but keep their correct proportions.

Albers Equal-Area — every state at its correct size
The Exception

Our 3D Relief map uses a different approach

Our Physical Map of the World — 3D Relief uses a Web Mercator-based projection. The bathymetric and elevation datasets that make the hyper-realistic 3D rendering possible are natively built on this projection, and reprojecting them would introduce visual artifacts that defeat the purpose of a map designed to look like a photograph of Earth.

It's a deliberate tradeoff: the 3D Relief map prioritizes photorealistic rendering over land area accuracy. Every other world map we make uses Patterson.

If accuracy matters more to you, we offer the same level of geographic detail in our Equal Earth projection map — true country sizes with labeled terrain, elevation, and hydrography. Two versions of the same data, two different tradeoffs. You can compare them yourself:

3D Relief map — hyper-realistic rendering, Mercator-based
Equal Earth map — true country sizes, accurate proportions
Physical Map of the World - 3D Relief
Quick Reference

What we use and where

Patterson
Reduces polar inflation. Rectangular layout. A good balance of accuracy and aesthetics.
Our world maps
Equal Earth
True equal-area. Every country at its correct relative size. Best for education.
Available as a poster
Albers
Equal-area conic. Excellent for single countries. The standard for US government maps.
Our USA maps
Mercator
Preserves angles and shapes. Inflates polar areas. Great for navigation, less ideal for relative size.
3D Relief map only

Browse our maps

Every map is built on a projection we thought carefully about.

Shop all maps