Metric for the construction of Mercator map

In summary, the familiar Mercator map of the world is obtained by transforming spherical coordinates θ, ϕ to coordinates x, y given by ##x = \frac{W}{2π} φ, y = -\frac{W}{2π} log (tan (\frac{Θ}{2}))##. By using the equations ##g_{ρσ} = g_{μν} (\frac{∂x^μ}{∂x'^ρ}) (\frac{∂x^ν}{∂x'^σ})## and ##ds^2 = Ω^2(x,y) (dx^2 + dy^2)##, it can be shown that ##Ω = \frac{
  • #1
Whitehole
132
4

Homework Statement


The familiar Mercator map of the world is obtained by transforming spherical coordinates θ , ϕ to coordinates x , y given by
##x = \frac{W}{2π} φ,
y = -\frac{W}{2π} log (tan (\frac{Θ}{2}))##

Show that ##ds^2 = Ω^2(x,y) (dx^2 + dy^2)## and find ##Ω##

Homework Equations


##g'_{ρσ} = g_{μν} (\frac{∂x^μ}{∂x'^ρ}) (\frac{∂x^ν}{∂x'^σ})##

In spherical coordinates ##ds^2 = dΘ^2 + \sin^2(Θ)dφ^2## with ##r=1##

The Attempt at a Solution


So in this case, I have to find ##g_{xx}## and ##g_{yy}##, they should be the same since ##Ω^2(x,y)## is factored out.

By isolating ##Θ## and ##φ##, I got

##Θ=2\arctan(e^\frac{-2πy}{W})## and ##φ = \frac{2πx}{W}##

##g_{xx} = g_{ΘΘ} \frac{∂Θ}{∂x} + g_{φφ} \frac{∂φ}{∂x} = \frac{2π}{W}\sin^2(2\arctan(e^\frac{-2πy}{W}))##

##g_{yy} = g_{ΘΘ} \frac{∂Θ}{∂y} + g_{φφ} \frac{∂φ}{∂y}##

For this part, ##y = -\frac{W}{2π} log (tan (\frac{Θ}{2}))##, manipulate so that ##tan (\frac{Θ}{2}) = e^\frac{-2πy}{W}##, then differentiate with respect to

y so that ##\frac{∂Θ}{∂y} = \frac{-4πe^\frac{-2πy}{W}}{Wsec^2(\frac{Θ}{2})}##

After some manipulation I ended up

##g_{yy} = g_{ΘΘ} \frac{∂Θ}{∂y} + g_{φφ} \frac{∂φ}{∂y} = \frac{-2π}{Wcosh(\frac{2πy}{W})}##

According to the book I'm reading the answer should be

##Ω = \frac{2π}{Wcosh(\frac{2πy}{W})}##

Can anyone help me find out what is wrong?
 
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  • #2
Whitehole said:
##g_{xx} = g_{ΘΘ} \frac{∂Θ}{∂x} + g_{φφ} \frac{∂φ}{∂x}##

##g_{yy} = g_{ΘΘ} \frac{∂Θ}{∂y} + g_{φφ} \frac{∂φ}{∂y}##

Are you sure that this is correct?
 
  • #3
George Jones said:
Are you sure that this is correct?

##g_{xx} = g_{ΘΘ} (\frac{∂Θ}{∂x})^2 + g_{φφ} (\frac{∂φ}{∂x})^2##
##g_{yy} = g_{ΘΘ} (\frac{∂Θ}{∂y})^2 + g_{φφ} (\frac{∂φ}{∂y})^2##

Forgot the squared! How dumb. Thanks!
 

What is the Mercator map?

The Mercator map is a type of cylindrical projection map created by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569. It became popular due to its ability to accurately represent lines of latitude and longitude as straight lines.

What is the purpose of the Mercator map?

The Mercator map was originally designed for navigation purposes, as it allowed sailors to plot a straight course using a compass. Today, it is still used for navigation, but it is also commonly used for general reference and educational purposes.

What is the construction process of the Mercator map?

The Mercator map is constructed using a cylindrical projection method, where a cylinder is wrapped around a globe to create a flat map. The resulting map has a rectangular shape, with the equator as a straight horizontal line and lines of longitude as parallel vertical lines.

What are the advantages of using the Mercator map?

The Mercator map accurately represents the shape and direction of land masses and bodies of water, making it useful for navigation. It also allows for easy measurement of distances and angles, making it helpful for map-based calculations and comparisons.

What are the limitations of the Mercator map?

One of the main limitations of the Mercator map is its distortion of size and shape, particularly near the poles. This means that land masses closer to the poles, such as Greenland, appear much larger than they actually are. Additionally, the Mercator map does not accurately represent the true distances between points on the map, as it becomes increasingly distorted towards the poles.

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