Question

Which of the following projections is best suited for polar regions ?

• A. Cylindrical
• B. Conic
• C. Azimuthal
• D. Mercator

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Azimuthal

• Definition: An Azimuthal projection (specifically the Polar Azimuthal Stereographic or Polar Azimuthal Equidistant projection) is created by projecting the Earth's surface onto a flat plane that touches the globe at a single point, usually one of the poles.

• Accuracy at the Poles: In this projection, the point of tangency is the pole (North or South). Therefore, distortion is zero at the pole and increases outward toward the equator. This makes it highly accurate for mapping circular or compact areas centered on the polar regions.

• True Direction: All lines drawn from the center of the map (the pole) represent true directions (azimuths) and straight lines. Parallels of latitude appear as concentric circles, and meridians of longitude appear as straight lines radiating from the pole, which matches how we view the Earth from directly above.