06/01/2026
Ever get confused by GIS terminology? Here’s the quick breakdown:
A Coordinate Reference System (CRS) is the 3D model of the Earth. It uses a specific shape (datum) to give every point on our bumpy planet an exact address in degrees of latitude and longitude.
A Projection is the flat 2D translation. It’s the mathematical formula that takes that 3D sphere and flattens it onto a 2D map, inevitably distorting shape, area, distance, or direction in the process.
Think of the coordinate system as the actual globe, and the projection as the paper map you print out. You need both to map accurately! 🗺️🌐
