Description: A portion of the globe is shown on a flat projection so that if it were placed on a globe it would only touch the globe at one point.

Advantages:

1. The direction from a central point, such as the north pole, is accurate.
2. shows distances and areas accurately in relation to the central point
3. accurate for use in navigation

Disadvantages:

1. The direction and areas are only accurate in relationship to the central point.
2. It takes several flat projections to depict the entire earth.

As shown in the examples below, flat plane projections can be placed anywhere on the globe, though the projection will always be calculated from the center point.

Figures 2.1.6.1–2.1.6.3, Mapmakers can select the north pole, the south pole, a point along the equator, or any point between the equator and the north and south poles. (USGS, 2006. http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/MapProjections/projections.html)