Projected Coordinates
Coordinates that represent locations on a flat, two-dimensional surface, derived from a map projection.
How are Projected Coordinates defined in GIS?
Projected coordinates, as used in GIS, are a method that uses a flat, two-dimensional grid to represent locations on the Earth's surface. These grids are usually based on x (easting) and y (northing) values. These coordinates are the outcome of employing a map projection to convert geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) from the Earth's curving surface onto a flat map.
Important Attributes:
Defined Units: Projected coordinates are perfect for calculating distance, area, and angle since they employ linear units like meters or feet.
Map Projection: During the transformation process, a projection method (such as Mercator, UTM, or Albers) is applied in an effort to maintain specific spatial attributes like area, shape, or direction.
X and Y Axes: East–west (easting) and north–south (northing) are represented by x and y, respectively, and locations are referenced about a fake origin (a determined 0,0 point).
Related Keywords
In GIS, a Projected Coordinate System (PCS) is a way to depict the Earth's curved surface on a two-dimensional, flat map. A PCS is perfect for precisely measuring distances, areas, and angles since it employs linear units like meters or feet rather than latitude and longitude like a geographic coordinate system does. It uses a map projection to convert the three-dimensional Earth into a two-dimensional plane; State Plane and UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) systems are typical examples.
The spherical system of geographic coordinates uses the Earth's curved surface to identify locations with latitude and longitude. In contrast, projected coordinates use a map projection to turn this curving surface into a flat plane, representing places with x and y values (e.g., meters or feet) for simpler mapping, measurement, and analysis.
Using mathematical projections, Projected Coordinate Systems (PCS) project the curving Earth onto a flat surface. Common types that balance distortions in different ways include Lambert Conformal Conic (mid-latitudes), Albers Equal-Area (area preservation), Mercator (navigation), Transverse Mercator (narrow regions), and Polar Stereographic (polar areas).
In mapping, projected coordinates are used to depict the Earth's curving surface on a flat map. They use map projections such as Lambert, Mercator, or UTM to convert geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) into a two-dimensional plane. This facilitates precise measurement of areas, directions, and distances on maps, particularly for local or regional analysis.