CacheLord Posted June 3, 2006 Share Posted June 3, 2006 I've been wondering this for awhile, but haven't thought to ask. But that's what forums are for... This may be a bit of a daunting task to anyone wanting to respond, but should you choose this mission Mr. Phelps... Could someone describe the differences in coordinate systems, why there are differences, and what the coordinates in each system mean, for the layman? I'm curious as all hell, but I feel if I do a search on the web I'm going to get a million useless pages and it seems like you guys probably know this stuff cold. I really thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment
thyuen Posted June 5, 2006 Share Posted June 5, 2006 I've been wondering this for awhile, but haven't thought to ask. But that's what forums are for... This may be a bit of a daunting task to anyone wanting to respond, but should you choose this mission Mr. Phelps... Could someone describe the differences in coordinate systems, why there are differences, and what the coordinates in each system mean, for the layman? I'm curious as all hell, but I feel if I do a search on the web I'm going to get a million useless pages and it seems like you guys probably know this stuff cold. I really thank you in advance. Have you tried this from Garmin: http://www.garmin.com/manuals/UsingaGarmin...Maps_Manual.pdf Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted June 5, 2006 Share Posted June 5, 2006 In over simplified terms; Each one is a slightly different mathematical model of the earth. The earth is not a perfect sphere and actually bulges a bit. Each also represents a different type of survey for establishing the model. The differences can be quite great. Each uses lat and log coordinate systems and look quite similar but matching coords can be miles away in the different systems. Quote Link to comment
+blindleader Posted June 5, 2006 Share Posted June 5, 2006 In over simplified terms; Each one is a slightly different mathematical model of the earth. The earth is not a perfect sphere and actually bulges a bit. Over simplified and on two different subject, too. What you are describing is the diffent earth models, and in the same sentence, different map datums, which are related but seperate. The OP is asking about coordinate systems (but probably means to be asking about datums, too) gpsinformation.net is a good starting place for all stuff GPS. Google can also be useful. At the risk of oversimplifying, a coordinate system is simply a way of expressing a location. Some coordinate systems are associated with a particular Earth Model, like UTM. Latitude and longitude can apply to any round world datum, so you need top know which datum a coordinate is given in for it to be any use. Better to read some of the articles on the web and them come back with questions. Quote Link to comment
CacheLord Posted June 6, 2006 Author Share Posted June 6, 2006 Thanks for the info guys. I'll visit the suggested links and then maybe come back with more informed questions. Quote Link to comment
+smilingsteeles Posted June 6, 2006 Share Posted June 6, 2006 I've been wondering this for awhile, but haven't thought to ask. But that's what forums are for... This may be a bit of a daunting task to anyone wanting to respond, but should you choose this mission Mr. Phelps... Could someone describe the differences in coordinate systems, why there are differences, and what the coordinates in each system mean, for the layman? I'm curious as all hell, but I feel if I do a search on the web I'm going to get a million useless pages and it seems like you guys probably know this stuff cold. I really thank you in advance. Have you tried this from Garmin: http://www.garmin.com/manuals/UsingaGarmin...Maps_Manual.pdf Nice link. I had to bookmark that one. Quote Link to comment
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