Azmap gives users an opportunity to explore polar azimuthal map projections. This kind of projection can be centered anywhere on earth. From the center one can see the true angle and distance to any other point on earth. A "great circle route," the true shortest path from one point to another, becomes a straight line from the center.

Polar azimuthal maps are sometimes used in aviation and radio. They also offer a fun way to understand one's place in the world, at least geographically.

Tapping the screen causes the map to be recentered anywhere. Any point can also be dragged to or from the center, leading to interesting distortions in the map.