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SESSION 6: SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM
MAP PROJECTIONS
Map projection is a fundamental concept in cartography, which involves
transforming the three-dimensional surface of the earth onto a two-
dimensional surface. It is a complex and challenging topic, requiring an
understanding of mathematical and geometric principles, as well as a
Anowledge of different projection types and their characteristics. This unit
will explore the basic of map projection, including types of projections, their
characteristics and distortions, methods used to create various fields, such
as geography, engineering, and architecture. By the end of the unit, students
will have a solid foundation in map projection, which will enable them to
create and interpret maps with greater accuracy and precision.
What is map projection?
Map projection cannot be given a single definition. Map projection is a
fundamental concept in cartography, which involves transforming the three-
dimensional surface of the earth onto a two-dimensional surface Also, one
can describe it as an attempt to reduce the distortions associated while
identifying or locating places. It is important to know that, in map projection,
there is the attempt to locate places but in the course of doing that, there
should be issues such as areas, distance and size that needs to be
preserved. For this reason, there are various means which is referred to as
Developable Surfaces used in identifying locations as well as reducing the
distortion of interest.
Developable surfaces
Developable surfaces are geometric shapes that can be flattened into two-
dimensional surfaces and used as the basis for creating map projections.
Examples include cylinders, cones, and planes(azimuthal), which can be
wrapped around the Earth's surface and flattened to create a map projection
with minimal distortion. Different types of map projections have their own set
of trade-offs and limitations, such as cylinder-based projections that preserve
shape and direction, but distorts areas and distances at higher latitudes.
Understanding the properties and limitations of different types of
developable surfaces is essential for creating accurate and useful map
projections.
Azimuthal
Cylindrical
Conical
Developable surfaces used for projection
Types of map projections
Depending on the developable surface used, we can distinguish between the
following types of projection Cylindrical, Conical and Azimuthal projections.
Cylindrical Projection: It is a type of projection in which a rectangular sheet is
wrapped around the earth in a cylindrical manner. The only factor that
distinguishes different cylindrical map
projections from one another is the scale used when spacing the parallel
lines on the map. On the other hand, this form of projection causes a lot of
distortions at the pole, that is areas near the Equator are the most likely to
be accurate compared to the actual Earth, the parallels and meridians being
straight lines don't allow for the curvature of the Earth to be taken into
consideration. Cylindrical map projections are great for comparing latitudes
to each other and are useful for teaching and visualizing the world as a
whole, but really aren't the most accurate way of visualizing how the world
really looks in its entirety. Some types of cylindrical map projections you may
know include the popular Mercator projection, Cassini, Gauss-Kruger, Miller,
Behrmann, Hobo-Dyer, and Gall-Peters.
Conical Projection: This is a type of projection where a sheet is wrapped
around the earth in
form of a cone. These maps are defined by the cone constant, which dictates
the angular distance between meridians. Conic map projections are best
suited for use as regional or hemispheric maps, but rarely for a complete
world map. The distortion in a conic map makes it inappropriate for use as a
visual of the entire Earth but does make it great for use visualizing
temperate regions, weather maps, climate projections, and more.
Azimuthal Projection: This type of projection is also known as Planar, is done
when a sheet is placed over the globe in an attempt to identify places. The
main features of azimuthal map projections are straight meridian lines,
radiating out from a central point, parallels that are circular around the
central point, and equidistant parallel spacing. Azimuthal maps are beneficial
er finding direction from any point on the Earth using the central point as a
reference.
Projections based on the developable surfaces
Map Distortion
Distortions are an inherent part of map projection, as it is not possible to
create a perfectly accurate two-dimensional representation of the three-
dimensional Earth's surface. There are four types of distortion that can occur
in map projection:
Shape distortion: this occurs when the shape of an area on the map does not
accurately reflect the shape of the corresponding area on the Earth's surface.
This is most common in projections that preserve angles but distort areas,
such as the Mercator projection. Distance distortion: this occurs when the
distance between two points on the map is not the same
as the actual distance between the corresponding points on the Earth's
surface. This is most common in projections that preserve shape but distort
distances, such as the Lambert conformal conic projection. Direction
distortion: this occurs when the direction between two points on the map is
not the
same as the actual direction between the corresponding points on the
Earth's surface. This is most common in projections that preserve distance
but distort direction, such as the azimuthal equidistant projection.
Area distortion: this occurs when the area of an area on the map is not the
same as the actual area of the corresponding area on the Earth's surface.
This is most common in projections that preserve shape but distort areas,
such as the Mercator projection.
The choice of map projection will depend on the purpose of the map, and the
trade-offs that the mapmaker is willing to make between these different
types of distortion
Summary
There is no perfect form of projection since each type of projection brings its
own form st distortions. That is why the use of the datum are adopted and
use to reduce the distortions tha to control the
Self-Assessment Questions
Exercise 5.6
1. Define map projection.
2. Briefly explain the following type of distortion. 3. Briefly describe the
following types of map projection.
i. Cylindrical projection
ii. Conical projection
