The perspective of the Vertical Near-Side Projection views the globe from a specified distance rather than from an infinite distance as in the Orthographic projection. This perspective provides the overall effect of a photograph of the earth taken from a satellite or space vehicle.
Method of Projection - Planar Perspective:
The distance above the Earth is variable and must be specified before the projection can be calculated. The greater the distance, the more closely this projection resembles the Orthographic projection. All aspects are circular projections of an area less than a hemisphere.
Point of Tangency:
A single point located anywhere on the globe.
Linear Graticules:
All aspects: The central meridian of the projection.
Equatorial aspect: The Equator.
Polar aspect: All meridians.
Properties:
Shape: Minimal distortion near the center, maximal distortion near the edge.
Area: The arial scale decreases with distance from the center. Arial scale is zero at the edge of the hemisphere.
Direction: True direction from the point of tangency.
Distance: The radial scale decreases with distance from the center and becomes zero on the edges. The scale perpendicular to the radii decreases, but not as rapidly.
Limitations:
The actual range depends on the distance from the globe. In all cases, the range is less than 90 degrees from the center.
Uses and Applications:
Uses of this projection are aesthetic more than technical.
