Coordinate systems and map projections are super important because they help us accurately represent locations on Earth, align data from different sources, and minimize distortions when we create flat maps from a round planet. Without a consistent coordinate system, like latitude and longitude, we wouldn’t be able to pinpoint locations or analyze spatial data properly. Projections help us handle the tricky task of flattening the Earth by letting us control how things like shape, distance, and direction are distorted. This is key for everything from navigating and measuring distances to creating visually accurate maps. In short, they ensure that our maps and data make sense and work correctly across different applications.