The Equidistant Conic projection is the simplest conic projection. It is equidistant.
Method of Projection:
Cone is tangential if only one standard parallel is specified and secant for two standard parallels. Graticules are evenly spaced. The space between each meridian is equal, as is the space between each of the concentric arcs that describe the lines of latitude. The poles are represented as arcs rather than points.
Lines of Contact:
Dependent upon the number of standard parallels.
Tangential Projections:
One line, indicated by the standard parallel.
Secant Projections:
Two lines, specified as 1st and 2nd standard parallels.
Linear Graticules:
All meridians.
Properties:
Shape:
Local shapes are true along the standard parallels. Distortion is constant along any given parallel. Distortion increases with distance from the standard parallels.
Area:
Distortion is constant along any given parallel. Distortion increases with distance from the standard parallels.
Direction: Locally true along the standard parallels.
Distance:
True along the meridians and the standard parallels. Scale is constant along any given parallel, but changes from parallel to parallel.
Limitations:
Range in latitude should be limited to 30 degrees.
Uses and Applications:
Regional mapping of mid-latitude areas with a predominantly east-west expanse.
Common for atlas maps of small countries.
Used by the Soviet Union for mapping the entire country.
