Mapping Software and GIS Glossary
A map projection is a method for taking the curved surface of the earth and displaying it on something flat, like a computer screen or a piece of paper. Map makers have devised methods for taking points on the curved surface of the earth and "projecting" them onto a flat surface. These methods enable map makers to control the distortion that results from creating a flat map of the round earth.
Every map projection has some distortion. Equal area projections attempt to show regions that are the same size on the Earth the same size on the map but may distort the shape. Conformal projections favor the shape of features on the map but may distort the size.
What is a map projection? The Equal Area Projection on the left correctly shows the relative sizes of regions on the map. For example, Alaska is about twice the size of Texas. The Conformal Projection on the right correctly shows the shapes of areas such as Alaska and Texas. However, the sizes of areas on the map are distorted. Alaska now looks much larger than it really is.
Maptitude Mapping Software gives you all of the tools, maps, and data you need to analyze and understand how geography affects you and your business.
Maptitude Auto Projection takes the guesswork out of map projections. Every flat map distorts the earth, and choosing the right projection normally requires cartographic expertise. Maptitude automatically selects a reasonable projection for each map and adjusts it as the map scale or center changes, helping users create sensible, area-accurate maps without manually configuring coordinate systems. The result is faster mapmaking, fewer projection mistakes, and more trustworthy visual comparisons for demographics, sales territories, market areas, service areas, and other business geography. Users can still inspect the current projection, turn off automatic projection, or manually choose from a broad projection and coordinate system library when a specialized cartographic or analytical requirement calls for it.
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