Geodetic systems are used to describe locations on earth for mapping and surveying. The World Geodetic System (WGS) is a global reference system used for mapping and navigation. Local geodetic systems may also be used, but it’s important to know which one is used in a map. GPS devices use the WGS to determine location.
A geodetic system, also known as a datum, is a coordinate system used to describe locations on earth. Since the earth is not a perfect geometric sphere or ellipsoid, geodetic systems must be used in cartography, surveying, and other related fields to create a fixed set of coordinates from which accurate maps can be created. The World Geodetic System (WGS) is a reference system in use around the world. Global Positioning System (GPS) devices measure location on the earth’s surface using this standard.
In order to navigate or map places on the earth’s surface, the geometry of that surface must be taken into consideration. A variety of geodetic systems have been developed throughout history to accomplish this purpose. It was only after the 18th century, when the shape of the earth was confirmed to be similar to an ellipsoid, that the systems began to take on their modern form.
Although the earth is geometrically irregular and not a perfect ellipsoid, a series of reference ellipsoids can be created to abstractly model its shape. Modern geodetic systems use this method. By superimposing several local ellipsoids, it is possible to obtain greater mathematical precision in the description of the earth’s surface and this allows the creation of a standardized set of coordinates. In settings where only short distances need to be measured, such as short-range surveying or navigation, a flat or spherical earth model can be used. Global navigation and mapping, however, requires an ellipsoid-based geodetic system for acceptable accuracy.
Several geodetic systems are in use locally around the world. Some maps may use one of these local systems, rather than the global system, as a reference. Since each local geodetic system is defined differently, it is important to know which one is used in which map. Mistakes can cause incorrect navigation.
The World Geodetic System (WGS) was first developed in the 1950s and 1960s to standardize geodetic data and create a worldwide system for mapping, navigation and aviation. Advances in aeronautics and space travel have encouraged the creation of this unified method of coordinating information. The last major revision of the WGS was in 1984 and this version was still in use as of 2011.
GPS receivers use WGS to determine geographic location. These devices work by receiving signals from satellites orbiting the earth. By calculating the time it takes for signals to reach it, GPS can determine its location on the earth’s surface. The coordinates that the GPS displays arrived at according to the standardized coordinate system set up via the WGS.
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