Nyarie Survey Prac 1 PDF
Nyarie Survey Prac 1 PDF
Nyarie Survey Prac 1 PDF
two-dimensional plane. They can be classified based on various criteria, including the preservation
of certain properties like area, shape, distance, or direction. Common classifications include:
Cylindrical Projections
Cylindrical projections project the Earth's surface onto a cylinder. They are known for preserving
straight lines and right angles but distort areas and shapes towards the poles. Cylindrical
projections are created by wrapping a cylinder around the Earth and projecting the surface onto it.
Meridians and parallels are typically straight lines that intersect at right angles. Cylindrical
projections often preserve direction, making them useful for navigation. However, they distort
areas and shapes, especially near the poles. Examples: The Mercator projection, which preserves
angles and directions but distorts areas, and the Miller cylindrical projection, which balances
distortions across the globe. Subramanian (2014).
Conic Projections
Conic projections project the Earth's surface onto a cone. They are well-suited for representing
mid-latitude regions with minimal distortion. Conic projections project the Earth's surface onto a
cone. These projections are well-suited for representing mid-latitude regions with minimal
distortion. They can accurately represent areas and distances along specific lines or within specific
regions. The Albers Equal Area Conic projection maintains accurate area measurements, making
it valuable for thematic maps like population density maps. The Albers Equal Area Conic
projection, commonly used for thematic maps like population density maps due to its accurate area
measurements. Cuomo (2003).
Azimuthal projections project the Earth's surface onto a plane tangent to the globe at a single point.
They preserve directions from the center point but distort distances and shapes away from it. The
Lambert Azimuthal Equal Area projection maintains accurate area measurements and is commonly
used for polar maps. Valuable for scientific and environmental applications requiring precise area
calculations in specific regions. Ure and Price (2010).
Map projections are methods used to represent the three-dimensional surface of the Earth on a
two-dimensional plane. Each map projection has its own set of properties that determine how
accurately it represents geographic features. Here are some key properties of map projections:
Equal-Area Projections
Equal-area projections preserve the relative sizes of areas on the Earth's surface. This means that
countries or regions are represented in proportion to their actual sizes. Equal-area map projections
maintain the relative sizes of areas on the Earth's surface. Countries or regions are represented in
proportion to their actual sizes. Equal-area projections are useful for thematic maps like population
distribution, natural resource distribution, or any map where accurate area comparisons are
essential. Examples includes Albers Equal Area Conic projection, Mollweide projection. Barry
(2005)
Conformal projections preserve local shapes and angles. This means that small shapes on the
Earth's surface are depicted accurately. Conformal projections are valuable for mapping navigation
charts, meteorological maps, urban planning maps, and any other maps where accurate
representation of angles is crucial. Example includes Mercator projection.
Equidistant Projections
Equidistant projections maintain accurate distances between certain points on the Earth's surface.
This property is crucial for measuring distances accurately. Equidistant projections are used in air
travel route planning, seismic mapping, and any application where precise distance measurements
are needed. Examples involves Azimuthal Equidistant projection, Equidistant Conic projection.
Property: Compromise map projections aim to balance distortions of various properties such as
area, shape, distance, and direction to create visually pleasing and useful maps. These projections
are commonly used for world maps or thematic maps where a balance between different properties
is required. Examples includes Robinson projection, Winkel Tripel projection. Popplewell (2007)
Directional map projections preserve true directions from one point to another. This means that
angles and azimuths are correctly represented. Directional projections are valuable for navigational
charts, especially for marine and aeronautical purposes where accurate direction information is
essential. Examples includes Lambert Conformal Conic projection, Lambert Azimuthal Equal
Area projection. Schofield and Breach (2007).
Understanding these properties is crucial for choosing the most suitable map projection for a
specific mapping purpose. Cartographers and GIS professionals consider these properties to ensure
that the map accurately represents geographic features while minimizing distortions based on the
intended use of the map.
In conclusion, understanding the classification and properties of map projections is crucial for
cartographers, geographers, and anyone working with maps. Each type of projection offers
different advantages and trade-offs, allowing cartographers to select the most suitable projection
based on the purpose of the map and the area being represented. By considering the properties of
map projections, professionals can create accurate and informative maps that effectively
communicate spatial information to a wide audience.
References