What does the term "projection" refer to in GIS?

The term "projection" in the context of GIS refers specifically to the method of converting three-dimensional data representing the Earth's surface into a two-dimensional map presentation. This is a fundamental aspect of cartography and GIS, as the Earth is a three-dimensional object, but maps are typically two-dimensional.

Different projections can distort various properties, such as area, shape, distance, or direction, to varying degrees depending on how the spherical Earth is represented on a flat surface. Understanding the concept of projection is crucial for accurate spatial analysis and representation, as it affects how geographic information is visualized and interpreted.

The other options address different concepts that do not pertain to the idea of projection in GIS, such as map design, data encoding, or data protection, which are important aspects of GIS but do not relate to the process of transforming 3D data into 2D maps.