I'll just add a side note to Anton's on planar mapping of spherical objects in general: there is no method of mapping a spherical object onto a planar surface that preserves shape, area, distance, and direction (i.e.: has no distortions). Distortions of one or more of these facets will always occur no matter what mapping method is used. Ain't much you can do about it except use the optimal mapping that introduces the least distortion in the most important facets to your needs.

C makes it easy to shoot yourself in the foot. C++ makes it harder, but when you do, you blow your whole leg off.

 -- Bjarne Stroustrup

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