Map:
Representation of a portion of the Earth surface on a Plane
Projection :
Representation of a 3-D datum surface on a 2-D projection surface
Scale :
Relationship between a given distance on the ground & the corresponding distance on the map.
k= distance on the projectiondistance on the sphere
•Different at each point on the projection
•Will differ with direction.
•Formula satisfied for very small distances.
Scale factor in map projections
Scale factor can be used to quantify distortion in map projections. Scale factor at a point on the
map is the ratio of the map's scale in a given direction to the true distance on the globe.
Grids & Graticules
Set of Parallels & Meridians as seen on the map is known as Graticules.
Representing the lines of Latitudes and Longitudes of the Globe on a flat sheet of paper.
Appearance of Meridians & Parallels on the Projection depends on the type of Projection that
has been used.
Graticule does not constitute the basis of a Co-ordinate System that is suitable for computational
purposes or for placing features on the Projection
Characteristics
• All parallels of latitudes are parallel.
• Parallels are equally spaced along the meridians.
• Meridians are equally spaced along parallels.
• Meridians of longitudes are half great-circles & converge at the poles.
• Meridians & parallels intersect at right angles.
• Quadrilaterals formed by the same two parallels having the same longitudinal dimensions
have the same areas.
• Distance scale is uniform.
Projection types
Based on the projecting Surface
Ø Planar (Azimuthal) Projections
Pro’s
Accurate at center
Every line is a line of true direction and represent the shortest distance
Con’s
Distorts shape
Ø Cylindrical Projections
Pro’s • Straight meridians and parallels
• Meridians are equally spaced, and parallels unequally
Accurate near the equator spaced
• Scale is true along the central line
Shows direction and true shape
• Shape and scale distortions increase near points 90
Con’s degrees from the central line
Distorted near poles
Ø Conic Projections
Pro’s
Limited east-west areas not too far from the Equator • When the cone is tangent to the sphere,
contact is along a small circle
Indicates distances and directions fairly accurately • Good for continental representations
Con’s • Secant – cone touches the sphere along
two lines, one a great circle and the
Distorts toward poles other a small circle
Only shows one hemisphere at a time
Based on the Light Source
Ø Gnomonic Projections
Light Source is placed at the center of the globe.
Ø Stereographic Projections
Light source is placed at the antipode (the direct opposite of something) of the point of Tangency
Ø Orthographic Projections
Light source is at an infinite distance from the
Based on the preserving characteristics
Ø Equal Area Projections
Fixed area at any part of the map represent the same area on the actual Earth.
Ø Conformal or Orthomorphic Projection
Preserving the shape.
Ø Equidistant Projections
Preserving the distance.
No map projection shows the scale correctly through the map.
Ø Azimuthalor Zenithal Projections
Some projections show directions or azimuths correctly.
