conic projection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “conic projection” mean?
A map projection where the Earth's surface is projected onto a cone, which is then unrolled into a flat map, resulting in lines of longitude appearing as straight lines converging at a point.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A map projection where the Earth's surface is projected onto a cone, which is then unrolled into a flat map, resulting in lines of longitude appearing as straight lines converging at a point.
In mathematics, a projection from a point through a three-dimensional figure onto a plane, producing conic sections (ellipse, parabola, hyperbola). In cartography, a specific family of map projections that provides accurate representation of mid-latitude regions with minimal distortion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; minor spelling variations in related terms (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center'). The technical definition is identical.
Connotations
Purely technical term with no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in general usage, but standard in cartography, geography, and mathematics texts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “conic projection” in a Sentence
The [map] uses a conic projection.A conic projection is employed for mapping [region].To project [data] via a conic projection.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conic projection” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The data were projected using a conic method.
- One can conically project the coordinates.
American English
- The software projects the data conically.
- They decided to project the map conically.
adverb
British English
- The surface was projected conically.
- The map is drawn conically.
American English
- The data is represented conically in this model.
- It's mapped conically for accuracy.
adjective
British English
- The conic projection map showed minimal distortion.
- They studied conic projection techniques.
American English
- The conic projection approach is standard for this latitude.
- A conic projection map was used.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in logistics or geographic information system (GIS) software contexts.
Academic
Common in geography, cartography, geodesy, and mathematics textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; unfamiliar to most non-specialists.
Technical
Standard term in cartography, GIS, surveying, and 3D computer graphics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conic projection”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conic projection”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conic projection”
- Misspelling as 'chronic projection'.
- Confusing with 'cylindrical projection' (Mercator).
- Using 'conic' as a noun ('a conic') to mean the projection itself is rare; it's typically 'a conic projection'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It provides low distortion for mid-latitude regions with an east-west orientation, making it ideal for mapping continents like North America or Asia.
No, it is unsuitable for a world map as distortion becomes extreme far from the standard parallels. It is best for mapping portions of the Earth.
Lambert conformal conic (preserves angles), Albers equal-area conic (preserves area), and simple conic with one standard parallel.
Yes, the Lambert conformal conic projection is used for many official topographic maps, such as the USGS state maps, and for aeronautical navigation charts.
A map projection where the Earth's surface is projected onto a cone, which is then unrolled into a flat map, resulting in lines of longitude appearing as straight lines converging at a point.
Conic projection is usually technical/academic in register.
Conic projection: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.ɪk prəˈdʒek.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.nɪk prəˈdʒek.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a paper cone placed over a globe (like a hat). Peel it off and flatten it—that's a CONIC PROJECTION. CONE-ic = Cone shape.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEELING AND FLATTENING A CONE; PROJECTING LIGHT THROUGH A CONE ONTO A WALL.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a defining characteristic of a standard conic map projection?