Coordinate Systems, Datums, and Map Projections

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to coordinate systems, datums, and map projections as discussed in the lecture notes.

Map Projection

A method by which the curved surface of the earth is portrayed on a flat surface.

Geographic Coordinate System

A reference system that uses latitude and longitude to determine the position of features on the Earth's surface.

Developable Surface

A geometric shape onto which the Earth's surface locations can be projected, such as cones or cylinders.

Point of Tangency

The point or line where the mapped surface touches the globe, resulting in zero distortion.

Standard Line

A line of true scale on a map that corresponds exactly to the reference globe, meaning no distortion occurs at that line.

Scale

The ratio of a distance on a map (or globe) to its corresponding distance on the ground.

Cylindrical Projection

A type of map projection where the surface of the Earth is projected onto a cylinder.

Conic Projection

A map projection created by projecting the Earth’s surface onto a cone, which can have one or two points of contact.

Azimuthal Projection

A type of map projection in which the surface of the Earth is projected onto a flat plane.

Lambert Conformal Conic Projection

A conic projection that maintains true shape and direction, commonly used for maps of regions with a greater East-West than North-South extent.

Mercator Projection

A cylindrical map projection that is conformal and displays true direction along straight lines.