What does a projected coordinate system utilize for measurements?

A projected coordinate system is designed to transform the Earth's three-dimensional surface onto a two-dimensional map, enabling accurate distance and area calculations. To achieve this, it uses a flat representation, which is adequately measured in linear units such as feet or meters.

This allows for precise spatial analysis and distances to be measured more directly and meaningfully than in a geographic coordinate system, which typically uses angular measurements like degrees. The use of feet or meters aligns with understanding spatial relationships in a two-dimensional context, making it valuable for mapping, engineering, and land use planning. Thus, the use of linear measurements in a projected coordinate system is essential for practical applications in GIS.