What type of projection does the Arizona coordinate system, 1983 utilize?

The Arizona Coordinate System, 1983, utilizes the Transverse Mercator projection, which is particularly well-suited for regions that extend more in the north-south direction, like Arizona. This projection minimizes distortion for small areas and is designed specifically for mapping and engineering applications where high accuracy is required. The Transverse Mercator projection allows for a faithful representation of shapes and distances in the central meridian of the projection zone, making it ideal for land surveying and other applications in Arizona where detailed and accurate land information is critical.

The conical and Lambert conformal conic projections, while useful for different geographic contexts, do not provide the same level of accuracy for areas like Arizona in regards to mapping extensive longitudinal extents. Orthographic projection, on the other hand, is typically used for visual representations rather than precise measurements, making it less appropriate for the Arizona Coordinate System's intended applications. This is why the Transverse Mercator projection is the correct choice for the Arizona coordinate system, aligning perfectly with the geographic and surveying needs of the area.