The Robinson projection was developed in 1961 to offer a compromise between distortion in area and distance, providing a more natural visualization for world maps. This work remains a hallmark of a career defined by an effort to elevate cartography from simple illustration to a rigorous, recognized academic discipline and a formal method of communication.
Wartime Cartography and The President's Globe
During World War II, Robinson directed the map division for the Office of Strategic Services. With no established professional cartographers available, he trained staff on the job to produce over 5,000 hand-drawn maps. Among the notable projects under his leadership was the creation of a massive 50-inch globe, which was presented to President Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and other high-ranking officials. For these services, he received the Legion of Merit in 1946.
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Beginning in 1947, Robinson taught at the University of Wisconsin–Madison until his retirement in 1980. During his tenure, he worked to establish cartography as an autonomous academic discipline, eventually securing university approval for specific undergraduate and master's degree programs. The department's influence expanded under his direction, resulting in more than 100 master's degrees and 20 doctoral degrees conferred to students who went on to lead their own programs. His contributions are commemorated today by the map library named in his honor at the institution.
Philosophical Approach to Mapping
Robinson emphasized the function of a map as a tool for communication. In his 1952 book, The Look of Maps, he argued that designers should avoid reliance on tradition, such as the convention of placing north at the top of a page. Collaborating with Barbara Bartz Petchenik in The Nature of Maps, he introduced the concept of the map percipient, a user who interacts with map data critically rather than as a casual observer. His textbook, Elements of Cartography, reached its sixth edition in 1995.
Fast facts
- Born: 1915, Montreal
- Died: 2004, Madison
- Education: Miami University, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Ohio State University
- Military Service: Office of Strategic Services (OSS)
- Notable Award: Carl Mannerfelt Gold Medal (1980)
- Professional Role: President of the International Cartographic Association (1972–76)
Questions readers ask
What is the Robinson projection?
It is a pseudo-cylindrical projection commissioned by Rand McNally in 1961 that aims to balance area and distance distortions for a more pleasing visual representation of the world.
What was the significance of the OSS map division?
Under Robinson's leadership, the division developed modern mapping techniques on the job to support Allied efforts, resulting in over 5,000 maps and significant diplomatic gifts like the 50-inch President's Globe.
Achievements
- Guggenheim Fellowship
- Legionnaire of Legion of Merit
- Carl Mannerfelt Gold Medal
- Recorded as geographer, cartographer and university teacher
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