A representation of the Earth conceived as a plane, designed for reproduction on paper or other media, falls within the scope of alternative cartography. Such visualizations often attempt to depict continents and oceans in a non-spherical projection, diverging from established scientific models. For example, various azimuthal equidistant projections are sometimes employed in these renderings.
The significance of planar Earth representations lies primarily within certain belief systems. Historically, geocentric models of the universe influenced early cartographic endeavors. Contemporary interest in non-spherical Earth depictions often stems from philosophical or contrarian viewpoints. The production and dissemination of these visual aids serve as a focal point for specific communities.
The following sections will address commonly encountered planar models and their features, explore the perspectives associated with them, and examine the limitations inherent in depicting a sphere on a flat surface.