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[–] 3 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (3 children)

Actually, azimuthal equidistant is unironically useful if it centers on you.

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  • [–] 2 points 9 months ago (2 children)

    Absolutely. In a sailing context, it would totally make sense to have a digital map like that. I don't know if professional navigators actually do that though. Maybe they have some even more obscure projection that has some unique benefits that fit a particular niche.

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  • [–] 4 points 9 months ago* (1 child)

    Specifically, radio operators like them - with a directional antenna, it matters which direction goes from Canada to Australia the fastest, and if your station is fixed it can even be a paper map.

    I don't know what sailing yachts would use. Probably a close-up map that's nearly flat anyway, since surf, wind direction and local obstacles are the main consideration. In commercial or military sailing, it's entirely possible normal navigation just takes place automatically and digitally at this point. Sextant, compass and Mercator still exist as a backup, though!

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