Evaluation of alternative conformal mapping for geospatial data in Jordan

Map projection is required to convert geodetic position of features on the earth?s surface onto a flat sheet to produce a map. Conformality is necessary for many large-scale maps to maintain angles and scale at any point in all directions. However, over extended area there is distortion due to the change of scale from one point to another. This research conducts a comparative analytical study of the recent established conformal projection, Transverse Mercator, in Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with another proposed one. In fact, the suggested projection will be chosen to represent the area in single zone, balance errors in linear scale to minimize them especially in the capital and other major population centers, and to meet the requirements of modern surveying techniques. The main objective of this study is to apply possibility of Stereographic projection to find out the most suitable system for mapping in Jordan depending on the previous criteria and double projection approach by using ArcGIS system to define its optimum parameters.