What best describes a projected coordinate system?

A projected coordinate system is designed to convert the three-dimensional surface of the Earth into a two-dimensional flat map. This transformation is achieved through various projection methods that allow geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) to be projected onto a plane. This process is crucial because while Earth is a sphere (or more accurately, an oblate spheroid), most mapping and GIS applications necessitate a flat representation for ease of use, measurement, and analysis.

By accurately depicting spatial relationships and distances on a plane, a projected coordinate system enables more practical data visualization and spatial analysis. This feature is fundamental for tasks such as measuring distance, area, and direction, which would be challenging to perform in three-dimensional space.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of a projected coordinate system. A three-dimensional representation refers more to the geographic coordinate system, which maintains Earth's curvature. Focusing solely on spatial data lacks the specific context of projection and dimensionality that characterizes a projected coordinate system. Lastly, the notion that it is a method exclusively used for geographic analysis is misleading as projected coordinate systems are inherently a part of representing geographic information rather than a standalone analytic method.