Lambert Conformal Projection

Lambert conformal projection, conic projection for making maps and charts in which a cone is, in effect, placed over the Earth with its apex aligned with one of the geographic poles. The cone is so positioned that it cuts into the Earth at one parallel and comes out again at a parallel closer to the Equator; both parallels are chosen as standards, or bounds, of the area to be charted. Points on the Earth are then projected onto the cone along lines radiating from the centre of the Earth; the map or chart results when the cone is slit along a meridian and laid out flat.