Last modified: Jun 09, 2025 By Alexander Williams
Install pyproj in Python - Quick Guide
Working with geospatial data in Python often requires handling map projections. pyproj is a Python interface to PROJ, a library for cartographic projections.
This guide will walk you through installing pyproj and using it for basic coordinate transformations.
Table Of Contents
What is pyproj?
pyproj is a Python library for performing cartographic transformations and geodetic computations. It provides tools for:
- Converting between coordinate systems
- Calculating distances between points
- Transforming geospatial data between projections
If you work with GeoPandas or Cartopy, pyproj is often a dependency.
Installation Methods
There are several ways to install pyproj in Python. Choose the method that works best for your environment.
1. Using pip
The simplest way to install pyproj is with pip:
pip install pyproj
2. Using conda
If you use Anaconda or Miniconda, install pyproj from the conda-forge channel:
conda install -c conda-forge pyproj
3. Building from source
For advanced users who need the latest features:
git clone https://github.com/pyproj4/pyproj.git
cd pyproj
pip install .
Verifying the Installation
After installation, verify pyproj works correctly:
import pyproj
print(pyproj.__version__)
3.4.1 # Example output
Basic Usage Examples
Here are some common operations with pyproj.
Coordinate Transformation
Convert coordinates from WGS84 to Web Mercator:
from pyproj import Transformer
# Create transformer
transformer = Transformer.from_crs("EPSG:4326", "EPSG:3857")
# Transform coordinates (longitude, latitude)
x, y = transformer.transform(12.5, 55.5)
print(x, y)
1391561.06 7508808.32 # Example output
Distance Calculation
Calculate distance between two points:
from pyproj import Geod
geod = Geod(ellps="WGS84")
# Calculate distance from New York to London
lon1, lat1 = -74.0, 40.7
lon2, lat2 = 0.0, 51.5
az12, az21, dist = geod.inv(lon1, lat1, lon2, lat2)
print(f"Distance: {dist/1000:.1f} km")
Distance: 5585.3 km # Example output
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter problems, try these solutions:
PROJ database errors: Update PROJ data with:
pyproj sync
Installation conflicts: Create a clean virtual environment before installing.
Version issues: Check compatibility with other geospatial libraries like pyshp.
Conclusion
pyproj is an essential tool for geospatial work in Python. With this guide, you should now have it installed and ready for your projects.
Remember to keep pyproj updated to access the latest projection databases and features. For more advanced geospatial operations, consider exploring related libraries.