This project explored the visual and functional differences between several commonly used map projections through the design of a comparative cartographic poster. The poster examines how projection choice affects distortion, spatial properties, and geographic representation across a variety of regional and global mapping contexts. Each projection was selected to demonstrate different cartographic priorities, including area preservation, conformality, compromise projection design, and polar mapping applications.

The project focused on six projections associated with different geographic regions and mapping purposes, including Brazil Polyconic, US National Atlas Equal Area, modified UTM mapping for Indonesia, Winkel Tripel, Asia Lambert Conformal Conic, and South Pole Lambert Azimuthal Equal Area projections. Each section of the poster includes projection metadata, developable surface type, preserved and distorted properties, and a short written analysis discussing regional suitability and cartographic tradeoffs.

The workflow was completed primarily in ArcGIS Pro, where projection systems were configured, geographic extents were developed, and projection behavior was evaluated visually across different world regions. The final poster layout, typography, annotation, and visual refinement were completed in Adobe Illustrator.

A major design consideration throughout the project involved maintaining consistency between projection panels while still allowing each map to visually communicate the unique characteristics of its associated coordinate reference system. Projection extent, graticule presentation, typography, and regional highlighting were carefully standardized to create a cohesive comparative layout while emphasizing the differing geometric effects produced by each projection.

The final result was a large-format educational cartographic poster intended to communicate foundational concepts related to map projection theory, distortion, and spatial representation through a visually structured comparative format.