ESRI Canada - Working with Map Projections

Lessons

Working with Map Projections

Students working with maps, paper or digital, must recognize the significance of map projections. Projecting a three-dimensional globe onto a two-dimensional surface will always create inaccuracies when portraying the Earth. However, certain projections create more or less distortion depending on the type and the regions projected. This is an introductory exercise to Map Projections. Students will become familiar with the basic concepts, classifications, and controversies related to projecting the Earth. They will use ArcView GIS to compare, contrast, and finally to choose appropriate map projections from a global perspective as well as a regional perspective.

Background Information:

Teachers are encouraged to distribute or communicate this background information to students. They are also encouraged to teach a lesson about Map Projections before students complete the mapping exercise.

   1. Geographic coordinate system
   2. What is a map projection
   3. When should you use a projection
   4. Spatial distortion and types of map projections
   5. How to Choose a map projection
   6. Map projections used commonly in Canada
   7. Map Scale

Teacher's Guide:

1. Planning Considerations
2. Required Files

The Student Side:

   1. Student Instructions
   2. Quiz
   3. Independent Exercise

ArcView 3.x

Setup.exe	PDF or WordDoc