Lab 5: Projections in ArcGis

Conformal

• Mercator Projection: 10,148 Miles between Washington, D.C. and
  Kabul, Afghanistan

• Gall Stereographic:   7,985 Miles between Washington, D.C. and
  Kabul, Afghanistan

Equal Area:

• Sinusoidal:  8,113 Miles between Washington, D.C. and
  Kabul, Afghanistan

• Bonne: 6,707 Miles between Washington, D.C. and
  Kabul, Afghanistan

 

Equidistant:

• Equidistant Conic: 6,981 Miles between Washington, D.C. and
  Kabul, Afghanistan

• Equidistant Cylindrical: 5,101 Miles between Washington, D.C. and
  Kabul, Afghanistan

               These maps were created to display different features.  The Conformal Maps preserve angles locally.  The Equal Area Maps preserve area, and the Equidistant Maps preserve distance.  As you can see by the distances listed, the differing projections provide contrasting information.  The Conformal Maps have very skewed area, as well as distance, the Equal Area Maps have skewed angles and distances, and the Equidistant Maps have skewed angles and areas.  They each have their purposes, advantages, and disadvantages. 

              The significance of being able to create these varying maps is huge.  For purposes of navigation, measurement, and perception, each map creates an opportunity to have a portable "globe" in one's pocket, depending on their purpose and needs. These projections all serve their own purpose, and are incredibly useful.  

               There are perils associated with various map projections.  This can be seen just by looking at the differences in the distance between Washington, D.C. and Kabul, Afghanistan.  If the wrong map is used for, lets say, launching a missile, then the missile could miss it's target my hundreds of miles.  These maps can also skew perception if used incorrectly.  The areas around the poles, for example, is incredibly stretched, and could give a viewer the wrong idea about the size and influence of that country.  The typical map that Americans see in their classrooms everyday exaggerates the size of North America and Europe, and shows Africa and South America as dwarfs in comparison; which is fine when the map is being used to represent those northern areas, but if used to portray our southern neighbors can be seen as ego-centric and downplaying the importance of those regions.  

            There is serious potential in this realm.  There are an infinite number of projections that can be created, for various purposes.  I think it is great to see the world portrayed in various projections, just to challenge my view of the typical mental map I have of our planet.  It also helps one to understand the world better in different terms such as distance, area, and angles.