What is the choice of appropriate map projections referred to as?

The choice of appropriate map projections is referred to as "Balance." This term highlights the need for a careful consideration of the various attributes of a map projection, notably how it preserves different properties such as area, shape, distance, and direction. An effective map projection effectively balances these aspects to meet the specific purpose of the map, making it crucial in cartography and geospatial analysis.

When creating or using maps, it’s essential to select a projection that minimizes distortion in areas that are significant for the map's intended use. This selection process is informed by the characteristics of the geographical area being represented, the scale of the map, and how the information will be interpreted by the audience.

The other terms listed are not specifically related to the selection of map projections. Surface interpretation generally deals with analyzing and interpreting subsurface characteristics in geoscience, while pattern could refer to the arrangement of features in spatial analysis without directly referencing map projections. Map scales pertain to the relationship between distances on a map and their corresponding distances on the ground, which does not address the complexities of projecting the Earth's three-dimensional surface onto a two-dimensional plane.