Map Projection

Manage distortions with map displays

A map projection manages distortions introduced when representing the 3D surface of the Earth on a 2D display. Distortions manifest themselves in the display of areas, distances, directions, and shapes. To address this problem, software like MATLAB and Mapping Toolbox can be used to create accurate maps for your data by controlling the map projection used in your display.

MATLAB with Mapping Toolbox provides more than 65 of the most popular projections in three main classes: cylindrical, conic, and azimuthal.  In addition, the toolbox enables you to work within Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), a collection of several cylindrical map projections, as well as re-project data into and out of UTM zones.

Examples and How To

• Using Map Projections to Display Data in Latitude and Longitude (Example)
• Converting UTM Coordinates to Latitude and Longitude (Example)
• Mapping and Geospatial Data Analysis Using MATLAB (Webinar)
• TYBRIN Accurately Predicts Debris Fallout from Missile Tests (User Story)

Software Reference

• Three Main Families of Map Projections (Documentation)
• Using Map Projections and Coordinate Systems (Documentation)
• Visualizing and Quantifying Map Projection Distortions (Documentation)
• Working with the UTM System (Documentation)

See also: Mapping Toolbox, UTM Conversion, Steve on Image Processing, geodesy, image analysis, geometric transformations and image registration, image and video processing