Mercator projection
n. (also Mercator's projection) a projection of a map of the world on to a cylinder so that all the parallels of latitude have the same length as the equator, first published in 1569 and used esp. for marine charts and certain climatological maps.
Etymology: G. Mercator (Latinized f. Kremer), Flemish-born geographer d. 1594
Useful english dictionary.
2012.