Projections

Tiling the world with the Spilhaus projection
QGIS
Inkscape
Published

November 19, 2025

Tiling the world in the Spilhaus projection

I’ve read several times that maps in the Spilhaus project tile but not seen any examples. Well here’s my demonstration of what that looks like.

World map in Spilhaus projection tiled - there are 16 tiles in this image.

World map in Spilhaus projection tiled - there are 16 tiles in this image.

Data

Tools used

  • QGIS.
  • Inkscape.

What did I learn?

  • Tried projecting a vector polygon layer first but created too many problems.
  • A raster layer reprojected much more effectively.

What would I do differently or want to find out?

  • This is rather fun - try a different raster map to see the effect?
  • Add some ocean-related data? Could get rather complex!

Process (more detail about how I made the map)

In QGIS

  • Reprojected the Natural Earth raster layer to Spilhaus - ESRI:54099 - with Raster > Projections > Warp (Reproject).
  • Added to a new map in QGIS - worked immediately.
  • Exported as an image - Project > Import/Export > Save map as image. Set to layer extent.

In Inkscape.

  • Add image, then duplicate so have four tiles.
  • Arrange in a 2 x 2 grid carefully lined up with no gaps.
  • Need to rotate three of the images until the continents line up.
  • Then group the four images and duplicate 4 times again.
  • Once more arrange in a 2 x 2 grid lining up carefully. Don’t need to rotate this time.
  • Add text and export drawing.
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