SCALE,
C O O R D I NAT E
S Y S T E M S,
P R O J E C T I O N S, A N D
GIS
UNDERSTANDING SCALE, COORDINATE SYSTEMS,
PROJECTIONS, AND GIS
WHY MAPS AND SPATIAL DATA
MATTER
• Maps are essential tools for understanding our world.
• Spatial data is used in countless applications (navigation, planning,
environmental monitoring, etc.).
• This presentation covers fundamental concepts for working with maps
and spatial data.
WHAT IS MAP SCALE?
• Definition: The ratio between a distance on a map and the
corresponding distance on the ground.
• Importance: Scale determines the level of detail and the extent of the
area represented on a map.
Representative Fraction (RF): A ratio (e.g., 1:100,000)
1 unit on the map represents 100,000 units on the
ground.
Verbal Scale: A statement (e.g., "1 inch to 1 mile")
1 inch on the map represents 1 mile on the ground.
EXPRESSING
MAP SCALE Graphical Scale (Bar Scale): A visual representation of
scale using a bar divided into segments.
Easy to use, even when the map is reduced or enlarged.
Map scale can be expressed in different
ways.
UNDERSTANDING SCALE
DIFFERENCES
• Large Scale:
– Shows a small area with a high level of detail (e.g., 1:1,000)
– Examples: city maps, building plans
• Small Scale:
– Shows a large area with a low level of detail (e.g., 1:1,000,000)
– Examples: world maps, continent maps
• Mnemonic: Large scale = Large detail, Small scale = Small detail
WHAT ARE COORDINATE SYSTEMS?
• Definition: A reference system for defining locations on the Earth's
surface using coordinates.
• Purpose: To provide a unique and consistent way to identify any point
on Earth.
• Geographic Coordinate System
(GCS):
– Uses latitude and longitude to
define locations on a 3D model of
TWO MAIN the Earth (spheroid or ellipsoid).
TYPES OF – Units: degrees, minutes, seconds.
• Projected Coordinate System (PCS):
COORDINATE – A GCS that has been projected onto
SYSTEMS a 2D flat surface.
– Units: meters, feet.
– Introduces distortion but allows for
easier measurement of distances
and areas.
WHAT ARE MAP PROJECTIONS?
• Definition: A mathematical transformation that converts the 3D
surface of the Earth onto a 2D plane (map).
• Necessity: Since a sphere cannot be flattened without distortion,
projections are essential for creating maps.
MAP PROJECTIONS - UNDERSTANDING
DISTORTION
• Key Point: All map projections introduce distortion.
• Types of Distortion:
– Shape: Shapes of landmasses may be altered.
– Area: Relative sizes of areas may be changed.
– Distance: Distances between points may be inaccurate.
– Direction: Angles and bearings may be distorted.
COMMON TYPES OF MAP
PROJECTIONS
• Conic Projections: Project the Earth onto a cone. Good for mid-
latitude regions.
• Cylindrical Projections: Project the Earth onto a cylinder. Good for
equatorial regions.
• Planar/Azimuthal Projections: Project the Earth onto a flat plane.
Good for polar regions
SELECTING THE RIGHT PROJECTION
• Factors to Consider:
– Purpose of the map: What will the map be used for?
– Area being mapped: What part of the world will the map show?
– Acceptable level of distortion: What properties (shape, area,
distance, direction) are most important to preserve?
LEVELS OF MAP ABSTRACTION)
- UNDERSTANDING MAP ABSTRACTION
• Data Maps: Show raw data without interpretation.
• Topical Maps: Focus on a specific theme or topic.
• Reference Maps: General-purpose maps showing a variety of
features.
• Navigational Maps: Designed for navigation.
WHAT IS GIS?
• Definition: A system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and managing
data and associated attributes which are spatially referenced to the
Earth.
• Key components of a GIS: Hardware, software, data, people, and
methods.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH GIS?
• Data Input:
– Digitizing, scanning, GPS data collection
• Data Storage and Management:
– Databases, file systems
• Data Analysis:
– Spatial analysis, querying, buffering, overlay analysis
• Data Output:
– Maps, reports, visualizations
GIS IN ACTION
• Examples:
– Urban planning
– Environmental monitoring
– Transportation planning
– Natural resource management
– Public health
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Scale, coordinate systems, and projections are fundamental concepts in
cartography and GIS.
• Understanding these concepts is crucial for creating and interpreting
maps and spatial data.
• GIS is a powerful tool for analyzing and managing spatial information.
QUESTIONS
W H AT W O U L D Y O U L I K E T O
KNOW?
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled
but a fire to be ignited”
- Anonymous
