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Characteristics of A Globe

This document discusses map projections and their characteristics and types of distortion. It provides details on: 1) The three main types of map projections - normal, transverse, and oblique - defined by their line of tangency to the sphere. 2) Characteristics of the globe that projections aim to preserve, such as constantly spaced parallels and right angles between lines. 3) The four main types of distortion that can occur if the globe's characteristics are not preserved: shape, area, distance, and direction. 4) Information on the UTM and HK80 grid systems used for Hong Kong maps and considerations for choosing a suitable projection based on purpose and geographical extent.

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Angel Tsui
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151 views2 pages

Characteristics of A Globe

This document discusses map projections and their characteristics and types of distortion. It provides details on: 1) The three main types of map projections - normal, transverse, and oblique - defined by their line of tangency to the sphere. 2) Characteristics of the globe that projections aim to preserve, such as constantly spaced parallels and right angles between lines. 3) The four main types of distortion that can occur if the globe's characteristics are not preserved: shape, area, distance, and direction. 4) Information on the UTM and HK80 grid systems used for Hong Kong maps and considerations for choosing a suitable projection based on purpose and geographical extent.

Uploaded by

Angel Tsui
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PROJECT ASPECTS: used to control the effects of distortion

a. Normal: the line of tangency is parallel to the Equator


b. Transverse: the line of tangency is perpendicular to the Equator
c. Oblique: the line of tangency touches the sphere at an angle to the
projection

Characteristics of a globe:
- Arc segments along a parallel or latitude are constantly spaced between the
meridians, however decreases from the equator to the poles
- Meridians converge toward the Poles and diverge toward the Equator
- Parallels and meridians always intersect at right angles
- Parallels and meridians are spaced equally at or near the Equator

DISTORTION EXISTS IF ANY OF THE ABOVE CHARACTERISITCS CANNOT


BE PRESERVED!

There are four types of distortion:


a. Shape: Features bent or twisted; projections that preserve shape are
conformal
b. Area: Features are disproportionate in sizes; projections that preserve area are
equal area
c. Distance: Features are disproportionate in lengths; projections that preserve are
equidistance
d. Direction: Different directions; projections that preserve direction are azimuthai
(e. Compromise projection minimize overall distortion but preserve none of the four
properties)

The Projection System for Hong Kong


- HK 80 Grid System is modified from the Universal Transverse Mercator
Projection (UTM)
- UTM is based on
a cylindrical
projection with a
line of tangent
perpendicular to
the Equator
(Transverse)
Peter’s versus
Mercator’s
Mercator’s map: used in sea navigation and with Europe at the center, a popular
projection for the world map, however it is greatly stretched and distorted at areas
closer to the pole
Peter’s map: equal-area and equidistant from the Equator, however it greatly distorted
the shapes of countries

Criteria for a suitable projection


a. PURPOSE of the map: Whether we want to compare areas, measure distance
b. Consider the EXTENT, SIZE and POSITION of the geographical area to be
mapped

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