Coordinate Systems

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Contents

Before starting a GPS survey, decide which coordinate system to use. This topic discusses some things to consider when making this decision.

If you intend to combine conventional observations with GPS measurements, read the whole of this topic. To make only conventional observations, see Choosing a Coordinate System for a Conventional Survey.

When surveying using conventional equipment, it is important to choose a suitable coordinate system. For example, if a job is to combine GPS measurements with conventional observations, choose a coordinate system that lets you view GPS observations as grid points. This means that you must define a projection and a datum transformation. For more information, see Creating a job. You can complete the field work for a combined survey without defining a projection and a datum transformation, but you will not be able to view the GPS observations as grid coordinates. If you want to combine GPS measurements with two-dimensional conventional observations, specify a project height for the job. For more information, see Project Height. If a job is to contain conventional observations only, select one of the following when you create the job: A typical coordinate system and zone that provide mapping plane coordinates. For example, State Plane coordinates.
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Scale factor only. In a conventional survey, measurements are made at ground level. To compute coordinates for these measurements, observations are reduced to grid level. The specified scale factor is applied to measured distances to reduce them from ground to grid. The option is useful for areas that use a local scale factor to reduce distances to grid. projection and enter a scale factor of 1.000.

If you are not sure what coordinate system to use, select the

When you create a new job, the Trimble Survey Controller software prompts you to define the coordinate system you are using. You can select a system from the library, key in the parameters, select Scale factor only, or select no projection and no datum transformation. For more information, see Creating a job. The most rigorous coordinate system consists of four parts: datum transformation map projection horizontal adjustment vertical adjustment To conduct a realtime survey in terms of local grid coordinates, define the datum transformation and map projection before starting the survey. In the field, select to display local geodetic coordinates. Select to display local grid coordinates.

When WGS84 coordinates are transformed onto the local ellipsoid, using a datum transformation, local geodetic coordinates result. Local geodetic coordinates are transformed into local grid coordinates using the map projection. The result is Northing and Easting coordinates on the local grid. If a horizontal adjustment is defined, it is applied next, followed by the vertical adjustment.

GPS measurements are referenced to the 1984 World Geodetic System reference ellipsoid, known as WGS84. However, for most survey tasks, results in terms of WGS84 have little value. It is better to display and store results in terms of a local coordinate system. Before you start a survey, choose a coordinate system. Depending on the requirements of the survey, you can choose to give the results in the national coordinate system, a local coordinate grid system, or as local geodetic coordinates. When you have chosen a coordinate system, search your survey archives for any horizontal and vertical control points in that coordinate system that are in the area to be surveyed. You can use these to calibrate a GPS survey. For more information, see Calibration.

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A local coordinate system simply transforms measurements from a curved surface (the earth) onto a flat surface (a map or plan). Four important elements constitute a local coordinate system: local datum datum transformation map projection calibration (horizontal and vertical adjustments) When you survey using GPS, consider each of these.

Because an exact model of the earth's surface cannot be created mathematically, localized ellipsoids (mathematical surfaces) have been derived to best represent specific areas. These ellipsoids are sometimes referred to as local datums. NAD83, GRS80, and AGD66 are examples of local datums.

GPS is based on the WGS84 ellipsoid, which is sized and positioned to best represent the entire earth. To survey in a local coordinate system, the WGS84 GPS positions must first be transformed onto the local ellipsoid using a datum transformation. Three types of datum transformation are commonly used. Alternatively, you can choose not to use a transformation at all. The datum transformations are as follows: three-parameter - This assumes that the rotational axis of the local datum is parallel with the rotational axis of WGS84. The three-parameter transformation involves three simple translations in X, Y, and Z. The three-parameter transformation that the Trimble Survey Controller software uses is a Molodensky transformation, so there may also be a change in ellipsoid radius and flattening. Positions on a local datum are commonly called "local geodetic coordinates". The Trimble Survey Controller software abbreviates this to "Local". seven-parameter - This is the most complex transformation. It applies translations rotations in X, Y, and Z, as well as a scale factor. datum grid - This uses a gridded data set of standard datum shifts. By interpolation, it provides an estimated value for a datum transformation at any point on that grid. The accuracy of a datum grid depends on the accuracy of the gridded data set it uses. For more information, see Using a Datum Grid File.

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Local geodetic coordinates are transformed into local grid coordinates using a map projection (a mathematical model). Transverse Mercator and Lambert are examples of common map projections. Positions on a map projection are commonly called "local grid coordinates". The Trimble Survey Controller software abbreviates this to "Grid".

If published datum transformation parameters are used, slight discrepancies can exist between local control and GPS-derived coordinates. These discrepancies can be reduced using minor adjustments. The Trimble Survey Controller software calculates these adjustments when you use the function. They are called horizontal and vertical adjustments.

Calibration is the process of adjusting projected (grid) coordinates to fit the local control. You can key in a calibration, or let the Trimble Survey Controller software calculate it. You should calculate and apply a calibration before: staking out points computing offset or intersection points The rest of this section describes how to perform a calibration using the Trimble Survey Controller software. To key in a calibration, see Creating a job.

Use the Trimble Survey Controller software system to perform a calibration in one of two ways. Each method results in the computation of different components, but the overall result is the same if enough reliable control points (coordinates in your local system) are used. The two methods are: If you use published datum transformation parameters and map projection details when creating a job, and if you provide enough control points, the Trimble Survey Controller software performs a calibration that computes horizontal and vertical adjustments. Horizontal control points allow scale error anomalies in the map projection to be removed. Vertical control allows local ellipsoid heights to be transformed into useful orthometric heights. Always use published parameters if they exist. If you do not know the map projection and datum transformation parameters when creating the job and defining the local coordinate system, specify / . Then specify whether grid or ground coordinates are required after a site calibration. When ground coordinates are required, you must

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specify the project height. In this case, the Trimble Survey Controller software performs a calibration that calculates a Transverse Mercator projection and a Molodensky three-parameter datum transformation using the supplied control points. The project height is used to compute a ground scale factor for the projection so that ground coordinates are computed at that height. The following table shows the output of a calibration when various data is supplied.

Yes Yes No No

Yes No Yes No

Horizontal and vertical adjustment Datum transformation, horizontal and vertical adjustment Transverse Mercator projection, horizontal and vertical adjustment Transverse Mercator projection, zero datum transformation, horizontal and vertical adjustment

Trimble recommends that you observe and use a minimum of four local control points for the calibration calculation. For best results, local control points should be evenly distributed over the job area as well as extending beyond the perimeter of the site (assuming that the control is free of errors). Apply the same principles as you would when placing control for photogrammetric jobs. Make sure that the local control points are evenly distributed to the extent of the job area.

If you calibrate a project and then survey in real time, the Trimble Survey Controller software gives real-time solutions in terms of the local coordinate system and control points.

Perform a calibration at any time, but always complete the calibration points.

staking out any points, or computing offset or intersection

If no datum and no projection are defined, you can only stake out lines and points that have WGS84 coordinates. Displayed bearings and distances are in terms of WGS84. Specify a projection before staking out arcs, roads, and DTMs. The Trimble Survey Controller software does not assume that WGS84 is the local ellipsoid, so you must also define a datum. Without a datum transformation, you can only start a real-time base survey with a WGS84 point.

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For information on how to perform a calibration, see Calibration. The following diagram shows the order of calculations performed when a calibration is calculated.

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You can copy a calibration from a previous job if the new job is completely encompassed by that initial calibration. If a portion of the new job lies outside the initial project area, introduce additional control to cover the unknown area. Survey these new points and compute a new calibration. Use this as the calibration for the job. To copy the calibration from an existing job to a new job, make sure that the job you want to copy has the calibration that you require in the new job. Then create the new job. A new job uses the default values from the previous job. Use the softkeys on the Job properties screen to change the defaults.

A datum grid transformation uses interpolative methods to estimate the value of the datum transformation at any point in the area covered by the datum grid files. Two gridded datum files are required for this interpolation-a latitude datum grid file and a longitude datum grid file. When you export a datum grid using the Trimble Geomatics Office software, the two datum grid files associated with the current project are combined into a single file for use in the Trimble Survey Controller software.

To select a datum grid file when creating a job, do one of the following: Select a coordinate system from the library provided in the Trimble Survey Controller software. Select the field, select the file that you want to use. Key in the coordinate system parameters. Select and set the field to Datum grid. In the the file that you want to use. check box. In the field, select

The U.S. State Plane 1927 and the U.S. State Plane 1983 coordinate systems in the Trimble Survey Controller software use three-parameter transformations. To select a datum grid file for use in the current job: 1. From the main menu, select / 2. Do one of the following: If is selected, select Next. Select field, select the file that you want to use. If is selected, select Next. Select the you want to use.

and set the

field to Datum grid. In the field, select the file that

check box. In the

The semi-major axis and flattening values for the selected datum grid file are displayed. These details overwrite any already provided by a specified projection.

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The geoid is a surface of constant gravitational potential that approximates mean sea level. A geoid model or Geoid Grid file (*.ggf) is a table of geoid-ellipsoid separations that is used with the GPS ellipsoid height observations to provide an estimate of elevation. The geoid-ellipsoid separation value (N) is obtained from the geoid model and is subtracted from the ellipsoid height (H) for a particular point. The elevation (h) of the point above mean sea level (the geoid) is the result. This is illustrated in the following diagram.

For correct results, the ellipsoid height (H) must be based on the WGS-84 ellipsoid. When you select geoid model as the vertical adjustment type, the Trimble Survey Controller software takes the geoid-ellipsoid separations from the geoid file chosen, and uses them to display elevations on the screen. The benefit of this function is that you can display elevations without having to calibrate on elevation benchmarks. This is useful when local control or benchmarks are not available, as it makes it possible to work "on the ground" rather than on the ellipsoid. If you are using a geoid model in a Trimble Geomatics Office project, make sure you transfer that geoid file (or the relevant part of it) when transferring the job into a Trimble Controller.

To select a geoid file when creating a job, do one of the following: Select a coordinate system from the library provided in the Trimble Survey Controller software. Select the the field, select the file to be used. Key in the coordinate system parameters. Select and set the field to or required. (Select if you intend to key in the inclined plane adjustment parameters.) To select a geoid file for the current job: 1. From the main menu select / check box. In as

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2. Do one of the following: If If to be used.

screen is selected, select Next. Select and set the field to or as required. (Select , if you intend to key in the inclined plane adjustment parameters.) screen is selected, select Next. Select check box. In the field, select the file

If you need coordinates to be at ground level instead of projection level (for example, in areas of high elevation), use a ground coordinate system. When you select a ground coordinate system, grid distances equal ground distances.

When you set up a ground coordinate system in a Trimble Survey Controller job, the software applies a ground scale factor to the coordinate system projection definition. To set up a ground coordinate system when creating a job: 1. Define the coordinate system for the job. Do one of the following: Choose the option to select a coordinate system from the library provided in the Trimble Survey Controller software. Tap Next. Choose the option to key in the coordinate system parameters. Tap Next and select . 2. In the field, choose an option to define the ground scale factor. Additional fields appear below the field.

3. If you select the option, enter a value in the field. 4. In the group, enter values in the fields as required. Tap the Here softkey to enter the current autonomous position derived by the GPS receiver. The autonomous position is displayed in terms of WGS-84. The project height is used with 2D points to reduce ground distances in Cogo calculations. For more information, see Project Height. If you select the option, the fields are used to calculate the ground scale factor. When the fields are completed, the computed ground scale factor is displayed in the field. 5. To add offsets to the coordinates, enter a value in the and field, as required.

Use offsets to differentiate ground coordinates from unmodified grid coordinates. To configure a ground coordinate system for the current job:

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1. From the main menu, select / 2. Do one of the following: If screen is selected, tap Next and select Select an option from the field. Complete the fields below as required. If screen is selected, select Next. Select an option from the field and complete the fields below as required.

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