Cartographer how-to

How to Choose the Right Map Projection

Projections distort.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Projections distort. In short: know; know; preserve, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Know the area.

  2. Know the purpose.

  3. Preserve area, shape or distance.

  4. Pick a projection.

  5. Set all layers.

  6. Check alignment.

Safety reminders for cartographers

  • Use ergonomic setups
  • Follow field safety
  • Protect sensitive data
  • Document sources

GIS · Layer · Projection · Coordinate system · Lidar · Orthophoto: see the full cartographer glossary.

More cartographer how-to guides

Learn this in Cartographer trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz