How do azimuthal projections show distances and directions from a central point?

Azimuthal projections, also known as zenithal projections, represent a portion of the Earth as a flattened disk tangent to a specific point on the surface. These projections are categorized by their perspective, such as gnomonic, stereographic, or orthographic, depending on whether the view originates from the Earth's center, the opposite side, or space.1

Regarding distances and directions, the azimuthal equidistant projection is specifically designed to maintain accuracy from a chosen central point. In this projection:1

• Distances: A straight line radiating from the center to any other point represents the shortest distance and can be measured to scale.2
• Directions: Because the map is centered on a specific location, directions (azimuths) from that central point to any other location on the map are preserved as true.1

It is important to note that these properties of true distance and direction are generally accurate only when measured from the selected central point to other locations, rather than between any two arbitrary points on the map.1