Which of the following is NOT a type of map projection?

The rationale behind identifying rectangular as not being a recognized type of map projection lies in the established categories of map projections used in cartography.

Cylindrical projections project the Earth's surface onto a cylinder, which is then unrolled to create a flat map. This type of projection preserves angles and shapes, making it effective for certain applications, especially for navigation.

Conic projections involve projecting the Earth's surface onto a cone placed over it, ideal for representing mid-latitude regions. This type often offers a good balance between shape and area, which is valuable for regional mapping.

Planar projections, also known as azimuthal projections, project the Earth onto a flat surface from a single point. This is useful for showing polar regions or mapping distances accurately from a central point.

In contrast, while the term "rectangular" is often used in a colloquial sense to describe the general shape of a map, it does not correlate to a specific method of projection recognized in cartographic practices. Therefore, it does not classify as a distinct type of map projection like the other options do.