A single point, usually the North Pole or the South Pole, but can be any other point. This point is defined by degrees of latitude and longitude. Straight meridians are divided equally by concentric circles of latitude. The Equator and the projection's central meridian are linear and meet at 90 degrees. All shapes are distorted except at the center, and increasingly from the center.
Distortion increases outward from the center point.
For the polar aspect, the distances along the meridians are accurate but there is a pattern of increasing distortion along the circles of latitude, outward from the center. Usually limited to 90 degrees from the center, although it can project the entire globe. Locations between the poles and the Equator, such as large-scale mapping of Micronesia. If this projection is used on the entire globe, the immediate hemisphere can be recognized and resembles the Lambert Azimuthal projection. The outer hemisphere greatly distorts shapes and areas.