Esri ArcGIS Pro Foundation Certification Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of a projected coordinate system in mapping?

1. To represent geographical features in three dimensions

2. To measure area without distortion

3. To provide a planar surface for accurate distance measurements

4. To define geographic boundaries

The correct answer is: To provide a planar surface for accurate distance measurements

The primary purpose of a projected coordinate system is to provide a planar surface for accurate distance measurements. Projected coordinate systems are developed by transforming the Earth's three-dimensional surface to a two-dimensional map. This transformation allows for more accurate representation of distances, angles, and areas on the flat surface of the map. By using a projected coordinate system, cartographers can ensure that the measurements taken on a map closely represent the real-world distances between geographic features, which is crucial for various applications, including navigation, land use planning, and resource management. This accuracy is particularly important when working in specific regions where precise distances need to be calculated. While representing geographical features in three dimensions and measuring area without distortion are important in certain contexts, they are not the primary focus of projected coordinate systems. Geographic boundaries may be defined within this system, but the key function lies in facilitating accurate distance measurements on a two-dimensional plane.