The Hotine oblique Mercator projection of $$\mathbb{E}_{{a,b}}^{2}$$

Abstract

While the standard Mercator projection/transverse Mercator projection maps the equator/the transverse metaequator equivalent to the meridian of reference equidistantly, the oblique Mercator projection aims at a conformal mapping of the ellipsoid of revolution constraint to an equidistant mapping of an oblique metaequator. Obliqueness is determined by the extension of the area to be mapped, e.g. determined by the inclination of satellite orbits: Satellite cameras map the area just under the orbit geometry. Here we derive the mapping equations of the oblique Mercator projection being characterized to be conformal and equidistant on the oblique metaequator extending results of M. Hotine (1946, 1947). The paper is submitted for publication in manuscripta geodaetica.