Open map List

Reference system

A reference system in cartography and GIS is a framework used to define locations, measure distances, and establish spatial relationships on the Earth's surface. It provides a standardized way to identify, compare, and analyze geographic positions.

Basic

Introduction

Types of Reference Systems in Cartography & GIS:

  1. Geographic Coordinate System (GCS)

    • Uses latitude and longitude to define locations on a spherical Earth.
    • Example: WGS 84 (World Geodetic System 1984), used in GPS.
       

  2. Projected Coordinate System (PCS)

    • Translates the Earth's curved surface into a flat, 2D representation using mathematical projections.
    • Example: Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS).
       

  3. Grid Reference System

    • Uses regularly spaced horizontal and vertical lines for location referencing.
    • Example: Military Grid Reference System (MGRS), US National Grid (USNG).
       

  4. Vertical Reference System

    • Defines elevation or depth relative to a reference surface.
    • Example: Mean Sea Level (MSL), North American Vertical Datum (NAVD88).
       

  5. Temporal Reference System

    • Standardized time-based system for tracking changes over time.
    • Example: Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) in satellite imagery and geospatial data.

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Incoming relations