When defining a custom coordinate system, what purpose does the Minimum Longitude, Maximum Longitude, Minimum Latitude, and Maximum Latitude values serve?
I have seen them set well beyond the intended boundary of the coordinate system, but have also seen them zeroed out. When / Where are they actually used?
Any insight is appreciated.
This is from the U.S. Coordinate Systems document:
The dimensions of the zone are further restricted by the minimum and maximum longitude and latitude values. These geographic restrictions are to minimize distortion as a result of the map projection technique. While graphics for map features can be drawn outside of the minimum and maximum longitude and latitude ranges, it is not recommended.
https://communities.bentley.com/products/geospatial/desktop/w/geospatial_desktop__wiki/10217/u-s-coordinate-systems-in-microstation-v8i-and-bentley-map-v8i
These values indicate the domain where the coordinate system is intended to be used. Outside of the domain indicated either the distortion becomes too great or simply the coordinate system was simply meant to be used in a specific area. The values are mostly informative for most projection methods and simply provide an indication to the user.
I forgot. When they are all set to zero it simply means that the domain was not specified.