These meridians and parallels become the projection graticule. The projection process also involves the transformation of earth features such as coastlines and land boundaries.
All map projections have some type of distortion or deformation.
Depending on the projection properties, the distortion may be of area, shape, size, distance, direction, or scale. No projection is free from all distortions, but each contains only some distortion. The cartographer or mapmaker must select a projection which will result in a minimum of distortion in relation to the map theme or purpose, the amount of land area shown, and the portion of the earth s surface being represented on the map. Note that several of Dana's map projection examples are linked to relevant portions of this page. Each family is suitable for representing select areas of the globe.