There are normal, transverse, and oblique cylindrical equal-area projections. Shape and scale distortions increase near points 90 degrees from the central line. Behrmann Cylindrical Equal-Area Gall's Stereographic Cylindrical Gall's stereographic cylindrical projection results from projecting the earth's surface from the equator onto a secant cylinder intersected by the globe at 45 degrees north and 45 degrees south. This projection moderately distorts distance, shape, direction, and area. The Mercator projection has straight meridians and parallels that intersect at right angles.
Scale is true at the equator or at two standard parallels equidistant from the equator.
The projection is often used for marine navigation because all straight lines on the map are lines of constant azimuth. The Miller projection has straight meridians and parallels that meet at right angles, but straight lines are not of constant azimuth. Shapes and areas are distorted. Directions are true only along the equator. The projection avoids the scale exaggerations of the Mercator map.