Where is the wgs84 datum used for measurements

This method keeps your data consistent with current WGS 84 reference frame parameters and will fit seamlessly into most systems as required. Most hardware and software systems allow for its implementation as a coordinate system option and is just as easy to use as our normal NAD83 based systems.

Think back to your early math class days; we spent many hours learning trigonometry functions by hand before we were turned loose with a calculator with sin, cos, and tan buttons.

Learning longhand what was being produced helped us to understand how those complex calculations were completed. The good news for geographic data users in the United States is that the National Geodetic Survey NGS is working on a new datum that will incorporate radical new changes in combining horizontal and vertical datums.

Visit the NGS website for more information. The initial framework sounds very robust and user-friendly, so keep your eyes and ears open for more details as they develop. The problem sometimes with technology is that it moves forward so quickly that good innovations get passed over due to previous acceptance and reluctance to upgrade such as Sony Betamax, Microsoft Zune, etc. This has been true with geodetic datums and the introduction of GPS for mainstream use.

It will be an age-old issue, but I look forward to better and brighter days ahead. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to GPS World to receive more articles just like it. The WGS 84 reference frame is defined by the geocentric positions and velocities of the U.

While GPS observations are the primary inputs to the process, the ground station coordinates and velocities define the reference frame axes. These coordinates and velocities are calculated by NGA and provided to the Air Force to used in the computation of the navigation message broadcast by the satellites. Thanks for the additional information; I appreciate the further clarification of the reference frame.

And if the receiver is using SBAS eg. WGS G is fixed at Thanks for the follow-up and the comments. While trying to keep this topic under a small novella, both you and Scott made great additional points. I do want to emphasize as a Federal employee, until arrives, I am held to provide data, share data in the latest NAD83 epoch. Like to hear comments — great topic and great magazine. Your behavior appears to be a little unusual.

Please verify that you are not a bot. Follow Us. Data collection of WGS 84 information — or is it? November 2, - By Tim Burch. In the meantime, here are a few of the main differences between WGS 84 and NAD While both use a similar ellipsoid, they differ slightly and thus create different results. He has been working as a professional land surveyor since , and is the secretary, Board of Directors, National Society of Professional Surveyors. Scott A. True says:. November 2, at pm.

Tim Burch says:. November 3, at pm. WGS84 is made up of a reference ellipsoid, a standard coordinate system, altitude data, and a geoid. Hi I just want to understand, how geodesy can be used as a basis for establishing datum?

Hi, Your page is quite informative. I am clearly trying to do something way out of my league. It seems I seem an astronaut and a cartographer for this one! How does one find the proper Lat and Long conversion? I hope you can assist, thanks for your time:.

I found the information very useful and beneficial to our survey work in the forest and will soon come up with a more comprehensive map output. Yes No. We are here to help! Enter your search term here Modified on: Tue, 27 Nov, at PM. Actually, WGS84 stands for World Geodetic System and comprises of four different things: an ellipsoid a horizontal datum a vertical datum a coordinate system An ellipsoid The shape of our earth is not perfectly spherical.

A horizontal datum When you position the ellipsoid on a certain location with respect to the earth, on the so-called anchor point, you set a horizontal datum. A vertical datum When you determine the elevation of your position you can measure that elevation with respect to the WGS84 ellipsoid. A coordinate system WGS84 can also be one type of geographic coordinate system.

Plotting WGS84 on a map When you plot the geographic coordinates on a two-dimensional map you apply a map projection. Yes No Send feedback Sorry we couldn't be helpful. Help us improve this article with your feedback. Related Articles.