Coordinate systems and Projections

Introduction

For this lab, an ERSI course on projections and coordinate systems was completed. This course taught the basics of geographic coordinate systems and projected coordinate systems. 

Methods

The ERSI course's primary focus was on GIS functions and how the coordinate systems allow them to function properly. There are two types of coordinate systems used for mapping: geographic coordinate systems and projected coordinate systems. 

Geographic coordinate systems are based on the location being on a globe. This is better for larger-scale operations as there is no distortion and all the points are at their true location. The location is measured in Lattitude and Longitude, each being written down in Degrees minutes seconds. 

Projected coordinate systems are based on the locations being on a flat surface. This can create issues because, on a global scale, there will be distortions. The locations on the map can be measured in meter/feet or any other linear scale. 

For the use of Projection VS Geographic coordinate systems in UAS, I don't know which I would use, as in the lecture slides, they never mentioned UAS in them. My best guess is that you would use a projection for any map that you want to be a flat image, and for anything where you are recreating a 3-dimensional structure, you would use a geographic coordinate system to avoid distortion. 

Conclusion and Reflection

In conclusion, projections and geographic coordinate systems are important to know which you are using for your data processing. 


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