Mercator and Lambert Chart Summary

Is a mercator and lambert chart conformal?

Yes

What is the distance scale of a lambert conformal?

Nearly constant

What is the distance scale of a mercator?

Variable (measure at mid-latitude)

What is the distortion of shapes and areas of a lambert chart?

Very little

What is the distortion of shapes and areas of a mercator?

Increases away from the equator

What are the angles between parallels and meridians of a lambert conformal and mercator?

90° angle

How do parallels appear on a lambert conformal?

Arcs of concentric circles nearly equally spaced

How do parallels appear on a mercator?

Parallel straight lines unequally spaced

How is a lambert conformal and mercator produced?

Mathematical

What is the origin of the projectors?

From centre of sphere

What is the point of tangency for a lambert conformal?

Two standard parallels

What is the point of tangency for a mercator?

Equator

What is the navigational use of a lambert conformal?

Pilotage and radio

What is the navigational use for a mercator?

Dead reckoning and celestial

How do rhumb lines appear on a lambert conformal?

Curved line

How do rhumb lines appear on a mercator?

Straight line

How do great circles appear on a lambert conformal?

Approximated by a straight line

How do great circles appear on a mercator?

Curved line (except equator and meridians)

How does the straight line that crosses meridians appear on a lamberts conformal?

Variable angle (approximates great circle)

How does the straight line that crosses meridians appear on a mercator?

Constant angle (rhumb line)

Appearance of Meridians on a Lamberts

Straight lines converging at the poles

Appearance of Meridians on a Mercator

Parallel straight lines equally spaced