An equal-area map projection for irregular objects

An increasing number of objects discovered in the Solar System have irregular shapes which require unconventional mapping techniques. Here we present a technique that produces equivalent maps of such objects. As such maps preserve surface area they are especially useful for mapping the distribution of geological features on irregular objects. Maps of blocks and craters on the Asteroid 433 Eros are used to illustrate the potential use of the technique. Two equal-area maps are adequate to cover the entire asteroid and convincingly demonstrate variations in surface density of mapped features. Similar coverage by orthographic views requires 4 to 6 plots. The distortion of the maps are comparable to the distortions of maps created by other techniques. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.