Understanding Map Projections

LAMBERT CONFORMAL CONIC
Area
Minimal distortion near the standard parallels. Areal
scale is reduced between standard parallels and
increased beyond them.
Direction
Local angles are accurate throughout because of
conformality.
Distance
Correct scale along the standard parallels. The scale
is reduced between the parallels and increased
beyond them.
The central meridian is 125° E. The first and second standard
parallels are 32° S and 7° N, while the latitude of origin is
32° S.
DESCRIPTION
This projection is one of the best for middle
latitudes. It is similar to the Albers Conic Equal Area
projection except that Lambert Conformal Conic
portrays shape more accurately than area. The State
Plane Coordinate System uses this projection for all
east–west zones.
PROJECTION METHOD
Conic projection normally based on two standard
parallels, making it a secant projection. The latitude
spacing increases beyond the standard parallels. This
is the only common conic projection that represents
the poles as a single point.
LIMITATIONS
Best for regions predominantly east–west in extent
and located in the middle north or south latitudes.
Total latitude range should not exceed 35 degrees.
USES AND APPLICATIONS
SPCS for all east–west zones.
USGS 7½-minute quad sheets to match the State
Plane Coordinate System.
Used for many new USGS maps created after 1957. It
replaced the Polyconic projection.
Continental United States: standard parallels, 33° and
45° N.
Entire United States: standard parallels, 37° and
65° N.
LINES OF CONTACT
The two standard parallels.
LINEAR GRATICULES
All meridians.
PROPERTIES
Shape
All graticular intersections are 90 degrees. Small
shapes are maintained.
66 • Understanding Map Projections