science

Hobo–Dyer projection

Hobo–Dyer projection is a science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Hobo–Dyer projection rather than just read about it. In short: The Hobo–Dyer map projection is a normal cylindrical equal-area projection, with standard parallels (there is no north-south or east-west distortion) at 37.5° north and south of the equator. The map was commissioned in 2002 by Bob Abramms and Howard Bronstein of ODT Inc. and drafted by cartographer Mick Dyer, as a modification of the 1910 Behrmann projection.

Key takeaways

Hobo–Dyer projection belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Hobo–Dyer projection to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Hobo–Dyer projection from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

The Hobo–Dyer map projection is a normal cylindrical equal-area projection, with standard parallels (there is no north-south or east-west distortion) at 37.5° north and south of the equator. The map was commissioned in 2002 by Bob Abramms and Howard Bronstein of ODT Inc. and drafted by cartographer Mick Dyer, as a modification of the 1910 Behrmann projection. The name Hobo–Dyer is derived from Bronstein and Abramms's first names (Howard and Bob) and Dyer's surname. The original ODT map is printed on two sides, one side with north upwards and the other with south upwards. That, together with its equal-area presentation, is intended to present a different perspective compared with more common non-equal area, north-up maps. The goal is similar to that of other equal-area projections (such as the Gall–Peters projection), but the Hobo–Dyer is billed by the publisher as "more visually satisfying". To that end, the map stretches the low latitudes vertically less than Peters, but at the price of greater compression near the poles. In 2002, the Carter Center used the Hobo–Dyer projection in a map of its global locations that it circulated to mark its founder Jimmy Carter's receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Hobo–Dyer projection

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Hobo–Dyer projection claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Hobo–Dyer projection before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Hobo–Dyer projection ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Hobo–Dyer projection

In research: Hobo–Dyer projection appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Hobo–Dyer projection in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Hobo–Dyer projection is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Cartography stubs, Cylindrical equal-area projections, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Hobo–Dyer projection outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Hobo–Dyer projection in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Hobo–Dyer projection means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Hobo–Dyer projection out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hobo–Dyer projection in simple terms?

Why does Hobo–Dyer projection matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Hobo–Dyer projection?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Hobo–Dyer projection.