Map Projection Postponed Exam

Answer/s
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Q1):

Total Marks = 12

Geoid Undulation: The deviation between the Geoid and an ellipsoid is

called the Geoid separation (N) or Geoid undulation.
(3 Marks)
Developed Surface: A surface that can be unfolded or unrolled into a plane
or sheet without stretching, tearing or shrinking is called a developable
surface.
(3 Marks)
True Direction: correctly shows the direction between two features
(3 Marks)

Orthometric height: The height determined with respect to a tide-gauge

station is known as the orthometric height (height H above the Geoid).
(3 Marks)
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Q2):

a.

Total = 30 marks

(Each position have 2 Marks)

have distortions increasing away from the central circular line (the touch
point of the paper)
have very small distortions along the central circular line (the touch point
of the paper)
shapes are shown correctly, but size is distorted
(8 marks)

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b. Projection can distort the property of equal area (or equivalent), meaning
that features have the correct area relative to one another. Map projections
that maintain this property are often called equal area map projections.
But,
a map projection in which angles formed by lines are preserved: a map
made using this projection preserves the shape of any small area.
In preserving shape, a conformal projection is therefore preserving angles as
well.
KMKP = 1
(8 Marks)

c. In all map projections, distortion is least where the developable projection

surface touches the globe and increases as distance between them increases
and its the standard line is a line along which the scale factor equals 1.
(6 marks)

d. In projection properties, places and areas contain the properties of shape,

area, direction and distance whereby its projection may retain one or two of
these but not all, and also specifically both area and shape. The usual
approach is to attempt to preserve one of these, usually at the expense of
all the others. For example, it may be required that certain of the
distances as measured on the sphere should be undistorted when shown
on the projection.
(8 marks)
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Q3):

(26 Marks)

a. The cylindrical equidistant projection distorts parallels by the scale factor

(sec) while leaving the meridians undistorted. It is therefore the case that
areas have also been distorted. To compensate for this, an equal area
projection can be formed according to the rule of equation (kMkp = 1) or
(KM = 1/KP = Cos).
The scale factor in the equatorial region is close to 1 for both the meridians
and the parallels. This is a consequence of cylindrical projections being
optimal for the equatorial regions. The parallels must be distorted by Sec
whatever happens Hence each small section of each meridian is multiplied
by Cos,
(8 Marks)

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b. There are map projections that divide the mapping area into zones in order
to keep scale distortions within acceptable limits. A good example is the
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection. Each zoning systems
has its own map coordinate system (x, y) with a specific origin.
Coordinate transformations are required to match areas that are
located in different zones.
(10 Marks)
c. The vertical datum, an approximation of the Geoids, is defined as natural
reference surface for land surveying. A vertical datum fits the mean sea level
surface throughout the area of interest and provides the surface to which
height ground control measurements are referred.
(8 marks)
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Q4):

(32 Marks)

a. The Graticule represents the projected position of the geographic

coordinates (, ) on a map at constant intervals, or in other words the
projected position of selected meridians and parallels. The shape of the
Graticule depends largely on the characteristics of the map projection used
and the scale of the map. But, the map grid represents lines having
constant 2D Cartesian coordinates (x, y). It is almost always a rectangular
system and is used on large and medium scale maps to enable detailed
calculations and positioning. The map grid is usually not shown on small
scale maps (about one to a million or smaller). Scale distortions that result
from transforming the Earths curved surface to the map plane are so great
on small-scale maps that detailed calculations and positioning are
difficult.
(10 Marks)

b.
The deflection of the vertical is pertinent to the differences between
astronomic and geodetic coordinates and directions. It has no part to play
regarding geocentric information. Calculation of the deflection of the
vertical requires both astronomic and geodetic information. It cannot be
revealed without some aspect of both. Answer: (4)
(7 Marks)

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c.
1. KP = KM = Sec

One of the most important of all cylindrical projections is the

conformal version. Which is given the particular name
Mercator
In this projection, note again that KP = Sec, and hence,
following equation
The scale factor at any point and in any direction is equal to
sec, the secant of the latitude.
In consequence, the pole is now of infinite size and at infinite
distance from the equator, and hence cannot be represented on
the projection.
2. KM = 1 , KP = f(Cos)

A conic equidistant projection

A conic equidistant projection preserves the scale factor along a
meridian (kM = 1).
The parallels are then equally spaced arcs or concentric circles.
The scale factor along a parallel of latitude (two standard
parallel) is given as a function of latitude by:
KP = f (Cos)
3. KM = 1, KP =

The Azimuthally equidistant projection

Is formed by keeping the scale factor equal to 1 in the
direction radial from the centre of the projection
The scale factor on the meridians, kM, is equal to 1 and The
scale factor along a parallel, kp, is given as a function of
latitude, , by:
KM = 1, KP =

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