Discuss the main properties of conical projection with one standard parallel and describe its major limitations.

Explanation

A conical projection is one, which is drawn by projecting the image of the graticule of a globe on a developable cone, which touches the globe along a parallel of latitude called the standard parallel. As the cone touches the globe located along AB, the position of this parallel on the globe coinciding with that on the cone is taken as the standard parallel.
Properties
(a) All the parallels are arcs of concentric circle and are equally spaced.
(b) All meridians are straight lines merging at the pole. The meridians intersect the parallels at right angles.
(c) The scale along all meridians is true.
(d) An arc of a circle represents the pole.
(e) The scale is true along the standard parallel but exaggerated away from the standard parallel
(f) Meridians become closer to each other towards the pole.
(g) This projection is neither equal area nor orthomorphic.
Limitations
(a) It is not suitable for a world map due to extreme distortions in the hemisphere opposite the one in which the standard parallel is selected.
(b) Even within the hemisphere, it is not suitable for representing larger areas as the distortion along the pole and near the equator is larger.
Uses
(a) This projection is commonly used for showing areas of mid-latitudes with limited latitudinal and larger longitudinal extent.
(b) A long narrow strip of land running parallel to the standard parallel and having east-west stretch is correctly shown on this projection.
(c) Direction along standard parallel is used to show railways, roads, narrow river valleys and international boundaries.
(d) This projection is suitable for showing the Canadian Pacific Railways, TransSiberian Railways, international boundaries between USA and Canada and the Narmada Valley.