Graticule

Overview A graticule is the grid of latitude and longitude lines displayed on a map, providing a visual reference to the geographic coordinate system. Parallels run east-west at constant latitude, while meridians run north-south converging at the poles. The spacing and appearance of graticule lines on a map directly reflect the properties of the map projectionMap ProjectionMap projections are mathematical transformations that convert the three-dimensional surface of the Earth onto a two-d... being used, making the graticule an essential tool for understanding projection distortion.

Graticules serve multiple purposes in cartographic design. They provide geographic reference points that help readers locate positions on the map. The visual pattern of graticule lines reveals the nature and extent of projection distortion: on a Mercator projectionMercator ProjectionThe Mercator projection is a cylindrical conformal map projection that preserves angles and shapes locally, making it..., graticule lines form a regular rectangular grid, while on an azimuthal projection, meridians radiate from the center and parallels appear as concentric circles. Graticule spacing is typically set at regular intervals (1°, 5°, 10°, or 15°) appropriate to the map scaleMap ScaleMap scale defines the ratio between distances on a map and corresponding distances on the Earth's surface. Understand....

Graticules appear on reference maps, thematic maps, and navigational charts to provide geographic context. Aviation and maritime navigation charts use graticules for position plotting and course measurement. Scientific publications include graticules on maps to enable readers to reference specific locations. Cartographic education uses graticules to illustrate projection properties and distortion patterns. GISGISGeographic Information Systems (GIS) enable users to analyze and visualize spatial data to uncover patterns, relation... software generates graticules as map frame elements in layout compositions.

Modern GISGISGeographic Information Systems (GIS) enable users to analyze and visualize spatial data to uncover patterns, relation... platforms generate graticules dynamically based on the current map projectionMap ProjectionMap projections are mathematical transformations that convert the three-dimensional surface of the Earth onto a two-d... and extent. Graticule labels can be placed at map edges or along the lines themselves. Adaptive graticules adjust their interval based on zoom levelZoom LevelA zoom level is a discrete scale step in a web mapping tile system that determines the amount of geographic detail di..., showing wider spacing at small scales and finer intervals at large scales. Some platforms offer measured grids (in meters or feet) as alternatives to geographic graticules for projected coordinate systemsCoordinate SystemsCoordinate systems standardize the description of geographic locations using latitude, longitude, and other spatial d....