Describing a map projection which has the property of preserving relative angles over small scales (except at a limited number of distinct points). On such map projections the scale depends only location but not direction. Also referred to as orthomorphic
(Mathematics) Designating or specifying a mapping of a surface or region upon another surface so that all angles between intersecting curves remain unchanged
The shape of the continents and directions (north, south, east, west) are correct and the size is distorted Navigators and surveyors use conformal maps because they need true shape and direction
A map projection is conformal, orthomorphic or equiangular when at any point the scale is the same in every direction, and the shapes of small areas are preserved An example is, the Lambert Conformal Conic Projection
Angle-preserving or angle-defining The Mercator map is a conformal map of the Earth because angles are true A conformal structure on a manifold defines angles between curves segments on the manifold but not their lengths
a map or map projection that has the property of conformality, or true shape conformality - the property of a map projection to represent true shape, wherein a projection preserves the shape of any small geographical area This is accomplished by exact transformation of angles around points