A coordinate reference system (CRS) provides a framework for defining real-world locations. Represent latitude-longitude data using a geographic CRS or x-y map data using a projected CRS.
Transform coordinates between systems using various projection methods. Though all projection methods cause distortion, you can preserve attributes such as area, shape, or direction by choosing an appropriate projection method.
Summary and Guide to Projections
Learn about the map projections supported by the toolbox, and their families and properties.
The Three Main Families of Map Projections
Most map projections can be categorized into three families based on the cylinder, cone, and plane geometric shapes.
Quantitative Properties of Map Projections
Map projections are influenced and constrained by five characteristic properties: shape, distance, direction, scale, and area.
Variable projection parameters control the appearance of map projections. Projection parameters include aspect, origin, and scale.
Transform Coordinates to a Different Projected CRS
Transform coordinates from a projected CRS to a different projected CRS that uses the same geographic CRS.
Project and Display Raster Data
Project or unproject raster data by referencing the coordinates to a grid, then display the data.
Create a map for a zone in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system.
Set UTM Parameters Interactively
You can interact with a map of the world to select a UTM zone and adjust map settings, such as the limits, origin, parallels, and aspect.
Work in UTM Without a Displayed Map
This example shows how to select a UTM zone by specifying the coordinate of a location. You can then create a UTM coordinate system using the suggested ellipsoid vector of the zone.
Use the Transverse Aspect to Map Across UTM Zones
This example shows how to display areas that extend across more than one UTM zone by using the Mercator projection in a transverse aspect.
Map Projections and Distortions
A map projection transforms a curved surface such as the Earth onto a two-dimensional plane. All map projections introduce distortions compared to maps on globes.
Visualize Spatial Error Using Tissot Indicatrices
A standard method of visualizing map projection distortion is to project small circles spaced at regular intervals across the globe.
Visualize Projection Distortions Using Isolines
This example shows how to visualize map projection distortions using contour lines of constant map distortion.
Quantify Map Distortions at Point Locations
You can calculate quantitative position-specific map error statistics, such as area scale, angular deformation of right angles, and directional scale distortions along meridians and parallels.
A projection aspect is the orientation of a map on the page or display screen. An orientation vector controls the map projection aspect.
Rotational Transformations on the Globe
You can redefine a coordinate system and transform all points to the new coordinate system. The transformation can be useful independent of map displays.