COORDINATE SYSTEMS,

PROJECTIONS AND TRANSFORMATIONS

Lecture -01
What is a Coordinate System?

“A coordinate system is a reference system used to

represent the locations of geographic features,
imagery, and observations within a common
geographic framework”.

Coordinate systems enable geographic datasets

to use common locations for integration.
Types of Coordinate Systems

1. Geographic Co ordinate System :

Such as latitude-longitude and elevation.

2. Projected coordinate system :

such as universal transverse Mercator (UTM)

1 2
Geographic Co ordinate System (GCS)
Shape of the earth

We think of the It is actually a spheroid, Actual Shape of Earth without

earth as a sphere slightly larger in radius at water.
the equator than at the
poles
Representation of Earth

Sea surface Ellipsoid

Earth surface

Geoid
Projected coordinate system (PCS)

 A projected coordinate system (PCS) is defined on a flat, two-dimensional surface

 PCS has constant lengths, angles, and areas across the two dimensions.
 PCS is always based on a GCS that is based on a sphere or spheroid.
 PCS includes a map projection, a set of projection parameters that customize the
map projection for a particular location, and a linear unit of measure.
Concept of Map Projections

 A spheroid cannot be flattened to a

plane any more easily.
 Representing the earth's surface in
two dimensions causes distortion in
the shape, area, distance, or
direction of the data.
 A map projection uses
mathematical formulas to relate
spherical coordinates on the globe
to flat, planar coordinates.
 Different projections cause different
types of distortions. Depiction of the Mercator’s map showing the correct directions.
But apparently distortions thus generated gives a feel that Green
 Some projections are designed to land is bigger than African sub continent.
minimize the distortion of one or
two of the data's characteristics.
Types of Map Projections

 EQUAL AREA :

Maintains accurate relative sizes, used where accurate area is needed.

 CONFORMAL:

Maintains angular relations and accurate shapes over small areas. Used where angular
relationships are important. E.g.: Navigational/ metrological charts

 EQUIDISTANT:

Maintains accurate distances from the centre of the projection/ along given lines. Used for
radio and seismic mapping.

 AZIMUTHAL OR ZENITHAL:

Maintains accurate directions from a given central point. Used for aeronautical charts and
other maps where directional relationships are important.
  Projections
cylinder as developable surface

tangent cylinders
  Projections
cone as developable surface

secant cone

tangent cone
 • Projections
plane as developable surface
 No projection Mercator projection

Undistorted distance measurement is 2451 miles

Distance = 3,142 miles…691 miles further
Shapes are distorted, but ArcView computes distance Changing to the Mercator projection shows shapes and
from spherical coordinates of latitude and longitude, direction accurately, but sacrifices distance and area.
taking the earth’s round surface into account

Peters Equal-Area Cylindrical projection Equidistant Conic (Coterminous U.S.)

Distance = 2,452 (almost the same as original)

Distance = 2,238 … about 213 miles less than actual
Peters Equal-Area Cylindrical projection preserves area Projection preserves shape and accurate east-west
but sacrifices shape, distance, and direction. distances, but sacrifices direction and area
Commonly used Coordinate systems and Associated
Projections
 UNIVERSAL TRANSVERSE MERCATOR (UTM)
oDeveloped by military
oGrid system
oEarth divided into 60 zones
oGreat for small areas and Minimal map distortion
oDistortion greater at edge of zones
oMost common map projection used