A method for projecting geographic data (e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates) from a spherical surface onto a two-dimensional Cartesian space is provided. Such a capability can employ a coordinate testing and transformation method to map the projected geographic data within the two-dimensional Cartesian space so that distances measured on the spherical surface remain relatively consistent with distances measured in the two-dimensional Cartesian space. Further, this capability allows for the use of efficient search algorithms to find projected geographic points within a particular geographic search area.
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