What is the nature of the scale on a Lambert conformal conic chart?

The Lambert conformal conic chart is designed such that it maintains constant scale along the parallels of latitude. This property is particularly useful for navigation and flight planning, as it provides accurate representation for distances and azimuths along those specific lines. The conic projection is created by projecting features of the Earth onto a cone, which is then unrolled into a flat surface.

This characteristic makes the Lambert conformal conic ideal for aeronautical charts that cover regions with greater east-west extent, such as continental areas. Thus, the scale remains consistent on these parallels, allowing for reliable measurements without distortion in the horizontal direction along those lines.

While the projection may exhibit some variations in scale as one moves away from the lines of constant scale, its primary feature is this reliability along the specified parallels, leading to its selection in contexts where accuracy on horizontal distance is crucial.