Coordinate System
A reference framework used to define the positions of features in space, ensuring spatial data from different sources aligns correctly.
What does a Coordinate System represent?
A coordinate system is a framework that uses numerical values to specify where geographic features are located on the surface of the Earth. Using coordinates like latitude and longitude or X and Y values, it offers a consistent method for describing places.
Different Coordinate System Types:
System of Geographic Coordinates (GCS): locates locations on a spherical surface using latitude and longitude.
The Projected Coordinate System (PCS) uses X and Y coordinates (such as UTM) to project the Earth's curved surface onto a flat map.
The proper alignment of all spatial data layers for analysis, mapping, and use in navigation and GIS applications is guaranteed by a coordinate system.
Related Keywords
The representation of locations on a map is determined by coordinate systems. The three primary categories are local coordinate systems (unique to limited regions or projects), projected coordinate systems (flat, two-dimensional maps like UTM), and global coordinate systems (using latitude and longitude).
Using latitude and longitude, a Geographic Coordinate System (GCS) provides a framework for identifying locations on the surface of the Earth. It is frequently used in GIS, mapping, and navigation applications to depict locations on a spherical or ellipsoidal representation of the Earth.
In GIS, a coordinate system is a framework that uses a set of numerical values (coordinates) to define the location of features on the earth's surface. Accurate mapping, measurement, and spatial analysis are made possible by its ability to be projected (flat, map-based) or geographic (latitude and longitude).
Whereas a Projected Coordinate System employs linear units like meters to translate latitude and longitude onto a flat surface, a Geographic Coordinate System uses same coordinates on a sphere.