Map Projections

Goal:

 The goal of this project was to apply knowledge of coordinate systems and projections through the creation of an Illustrator document that explains and visualizes the impact that different map projections have on South America's direction, shape, and area. 

Methods:

Ten maps of South America were laid over each other, each depicting a different projection.  These outlines were given a unique hue to differentiate them from one another.  Through the middle of the projections is the 60 degree West meridian to give context to the maps.  Inside a created neatline the title, north arrow, legend, source, explanatory paragraph, and bibliography were all placed.  The bibliography follows the Chicago Manual of Style format.  In the explanatory paragraph is a description of different map projections, their weaknesses, and the effects on South America are all discussed.  Extensive research was completed to gather all the necessary information.

Results:

The final map (Figure 1) shows all 10 projections of South America with a explanation paragraph of the projections.

Figure 1. Map of projections of South America.

The paragraph discusses the different projections and their common uses.  The purpose of this map was to show how different projections affect the presentation of South America. One of the takeaways from this project is that careful thought must be given to the project when determining which projection to use as each has its strengths and weaknesses.  This map can be used for understanding the differences between projections and as a guide to choosing the right projection for a project. 

Sources:

Shellito, Bradley A. Introduction to Geospatial Technologies, Edited by Bill Minick.  New York: W.H. Freeman and Company, 2016.   

U.S. Department of the Interior. U.S. Geological Survey. Map Projections. (Washington D.C. 2000) https://egsc.usgs.gov/isb//pubs/MapProjections/projections.html

Zeitler, Ezra. "Geographic Coordinate Systems." Presentation at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, February 14th, 2017.