What type of map projection is created by projecting an image of Earth onto a cone?

A conic projection is created by projecting an image of Earth onto a cone. This method of projection is particularly useful for mapping mid-latitude regions because it maintains an accurate representation of shapes, areas, and distances within these areas. The cone can touch the globe at one or two standard parallels, which reduces distortion along these lines, providing a more accurate depiction of the landmasses compared to other projection methods.

In conic projections, the cone can be oriented in different ways to optimize the area being mapped. For instance, a cone with its point at the pole is ideal for projecting areas around the pole, while one placed over areas closer to the equator can effectively represent those regions. This versatility makes conic projections popular for various applications, including regional maps, particularly in countries that extend east to west.

The other types of projections have different characteristics: cylindrical projections wrap the globe in a rectangle, which can distort shapes and areas significantly, particularly near the poles. Azimuthal projections focus on a specific point, providing a bird's-eye view from a particular perspective, often at great distortions as you move away from the center. Orthographic projections offer a globe-like appearance from a distance, often used for visualizing Earth as it appears from