What is the Albers projection and why is the FGDL data in it?
We use the Albers projection because two of our main data contributors are FDEP and FDOT who both work in Albers, and because we distribute the data in one statewide projection. UTM and Stateplane projections have zones that make it impossible to “connect” the different pieces of the state. We consider the ArcView on-the-fly projection an ESRI software problem/limitation and have been in contact with them regarding something a little more robust. Also many of our clients need more precise measurements (usually area) which Albers offers. Geographic Latitude Longitude is not a projection but a coordinate system and does not adjust for correct area, shape, distance or other factors. The Albers Conic Equal Area projection uses two standard parallels to reduce some of the distortion of a one standard parallel projection. Although neither shape nor linear scale are truly correct, the distortion of these properties is minimized in the region between the standard parallels. This projection is
