Gnomonic projection is a type of mapping technique in which the surface of the sphere is projected onto a flat surface. This technique is commonly used in cartography and astronomy as it allows for the representation of a curved surface onto a flat surface. Synonyms for gnomonic projection include gnomonic chart, gnomonic map, and central projection. Another synonym for gnomonic projection is azimuthal projection as it is a type of azimuthal map projection. This type of projection is ideal for use in navigation and orientation as it accurately represents the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere.