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Coordinate System
A framework used to define locations on a map.
Geographic Coordinate System (GCS)
A system that records locations using latitude and longitude (angular measurements).
Projected Coordinate System (PCS)
A coordinate system that overlays a grid onto a projection, allowing for distance and area measurements in linear units.
Reference Ellipsoid / Datum
A mathematical model approximating the Earth's shape, used as a base for projections.
Standard Parallel
A latitude line where a map projection touches the reference ellipsoid, minimizing distortion.
Central Meridian
The vertical centerline of a map, which serves as a reference for longitude values.
False Easting
A numerical adjustment added to east-west coordinates to avoid negative values.
False Northing
A numerical adjustment added to north-south coordinates to avoid negative values.
Cartesian Coordinate System
A grid system using X (east-west) and Y (north-south) values to define locations.
Eastings
The X-coordinates in a Cartesian system, measuring distance east or west.
Northings
The Y-coordinates in a Cartesian system, measuring distance north or south.
False Origin
A shifted starting point in a coordinate system to ensure all values are positive.
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
A global coordinate system that divides the Earth into 60 zones, each using a Transverse Mercator Projection.
State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS)
A coordinate system used in the U.S. for land parcel mapping, using feet instead of meters.
Transverse Mercator Projection
A cylindrical projection with a north-south tangent line, commonly used in UTM and State Plane zones.
Lambert Conformal Conic Projection
A conic projection preserving shape and used for east-west-oriented State Plane zones.
Albers Equal-Area Conic Projection
A projection that preserves area, commonly used for mapping the United States.
Web Mercator Projection
A modified Mercator projection optimized for web maps, used by Google Maps and ArcGIS.
Equal-Area Projection
A projection that maintains correct land area proportions but may distort shapes (e.g., Albers Equal-Area Conic).
Conformal Projection
A projection that preserves angles and shapes but distorts area (e.g., Mercator Projection).
Loxodrome
A line crossing all meridians at a constant angle, used in navigation.
Graticule
A network of latitude and longitude lines on a map.
Tangent Projection
A projection where the developable surface touches the Earth at a single point or line.
Secant Projection
A projection where the developable surface cuts through the Earth, creating two standard parallels.
