Best Projection for Cross-Sections

[cjkowalc]

I've been saving path profiles cut from a DEM as .xz distance elevation ascii text and loading into GM to draw geology on. What is the best projection to use in order to minimize distortions for 2D distances and elevations of several kilometers?

thanks,
Chris

[global_mapper]

Chris,

Make sure to choose a projection with linear units like meters and have your distance and elevation units set up as meters in Global Mapper prior to saving the .xz file. Then your X and Z units from the file (which become X and Y when imported) should be treated the same and measure properly.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Thanks,

Mike
Global Mapper Support
support@globalmapper.com

[cjkowalc]

Hi Mike, thanks for the feedback. I've been using a Mercator projection for the cross-sections, but realized there are distortions. The area of a 500x500m square with lower left corner at 500x,0y has an area of 251686 sq m instead of 250000 sq m. I understand why this is, but am having trouble picking an appropriate alternative. I've started using Equirectagular, which gives the correct area, but a quick google search says this projection has significant distortions as well, although perhaps not significant at the scale I'm working in. Is there a better approximation of purely Cartesian coordinates for working within 5000m of 0,0?

Thanks,
Chris

[global_mapper]

Chris,

For something that small I would use a Transverse Mercator or Orthographic projection centered at the area center. There should be negligible distortion for an area that small with either of those projections.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Thanks,

Mike
Global Mapper Support
support@globalmapper.com