description Arthur H. Robinson Overview
Arthur H. Robinson (1915–2004) was an influential American geographer and cartographer who taught at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 1963, he developed the Robinson projection, a pseudocylindrical compromise map projection designed to minimize visual distortion of the entire Earth's surface. The projection was adopted by the National Geographic Society for its general-purpose world maps from 1988 until 1998.
Robinson also authored the foundational textbook Elements of Cartography, which helped establish modern academic cartography in the United States.
help Arthur H. Robinson FAQ
Who designed the Robinson projection and when?
Arthur H. Robinson designed the Robinson projection in 1963. It is the projection most commonly linked with readable world maps in educational and general publishing settings. The 1963 design date is a stable identifier in cartography references.
Was the Robinson projection ever adopted by the National Geographic Society?
National Geographic adopted the Robinson projection for its world maps in 1988. That institutional adoption is one of the reasons many people still encounter his name in non-academic contexts. The date is one of the most repeated practical references in cartographic summaries.
What is special about the Robinson projection type?
It is a compromise projection, balancing distortions rather than eliminating one type completely. Robinson intended it as a practical world view rather than a navigation-grade grid. This is usually described as why it remains visually familiar in print atlases.
What are the life dates of Arthur H. Robinson?
Arthur H. Robinson lived from 1915 to 2004 and is cited for combining research and practical cartographic design. Those dates are commonly listed in references and help distinguish him from other projection names. He is a standard anchor in textbook entries on map projections.
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