Map Projection
The systematic transformation of locations from the earth’s curved surface to a flat map, affecting spatial analysis accuracy.
How is a Map Projection defined?
The process of projecting the Earth's nearly spherical 3D surface onto a 2D flat surface, such as a map, is known as a map projection. This transition always introduces some degree of distortion in shape, area, distance, or direction since the Earth is curved.
Key Points:
It converts global latitude and longitude to a flat surface.
Depending on whether maintaining shape (conformal), area (equal-area), distance (equidistant), or direction (azimuthal) is more crucial, different projections have distinct functions.
Mercator, Robinson, Lambert Conformal Conic, and Albers Equal Area projections are examples of common kinds.
Goal: Depending on the requirements of planning, navigation, or geographical analysis, map projections give geographers and cartographers the ability to see and analyse spatial data in a practical and manageable way.
Related Keywords
The curved surface of the Earth can be depicted on a flat map using map projections. The three primary varieties are azimuthal, conic, and cylindrical. Each distorts some qualities while preserving others, such as shape, area, or direction.
The Lambert Conformal Conic (used in aviation), Robinson (balanced perspective), Mollweide (accurately depicts area), and Mercator (preserves shape, distorts size) are a few examples of map projections. Each fulfills distinct mapping requirements.
In GIS, a map projection is a way to depict the Earth's curving surface on a flat map. Projections invariably distort certain elements, such as area, form, distance, or orientation, because the Earth is spherical. Depending on the map's intended use—navigation, land measurement, or visual representation—different projections, such as Mercator, UTM, or Robinson, are selected.
The curving surface of the Earth is transformed into flat maps using map projections. Azimuthal works well in polar locations, conic suits mid-latitudes, and cylindrical aids navigation.