Which projection method is defined as making projections from a globe onto a surface that touches the globe at a single point?

The appropriate projection method that describes making projections from a globe onto a surface touching the globe at a single point is the gnomonic projection. This projection method is characterized by projecting points from the surface of a globe onto a plane that is tangential to the globe at one specific point. Because of this tangential nature, all great circles (the shortest path between two points on the sphere) are represented as straight lines in this projection.

In addition to being able to visualize straight paths between locations on the globe, the gnomonic projection is useful for navigation and for plotting courses because it preserves angles along those great circles. However, it does distort areas and shapes away from the point of tangency. Thus, this projection is particularly effective for short distances and for navigation, where the great circle route is important.

While other projection methods like orthographic, cylindrical, and stereographic have their own distinct characteristics and uses, they do not adhere to the principle of single-point tangency that defines the gnomonic projection.