Global Coordinates and World Geodetic System (WGS)

Knowledge of the coordinate system data in use by electronic position fixing

systems; relationship between coordinate systems and the effect of coordinate
system choices on positional data.

WORLD GEODETIC SYSTEM

A consistent set of parameters describing the size and shape of the earth, the positions of
a network of points with respect to the center of the mass of the earth, transformations
from major geodetic datums, and the potential of the earth (usually in terms of harmonic
coefficients). It forms the common geodetic reference system for modern charts on which
positions from electronic navigations systems can be plotted directly without correction.

In Canada the Geodetic Survey of Canada has established a system of geodetic

monuments from coast to coast on which the control of mapping and charting is based.

Before a hydrographic survey can commence the closest geodetic monument must be
located from which the base line for the triangulation system is measured, the
triangulation system consisting of a series of towers placed at chosen locations along a
coastline, usually identified by coloured bunting nailed to the 2 x 4 mast.

The surveyors then visit each tower, setting up a theodelite and measuring the angles
from that station to all other stations. With the base line of known length and the sets of
angles from each station, the positions of each station are then calculated so that their
positions may be calculated for plotting on the survey field sheet. Survey launches are
then used to determine the bottom contours(soundings) by running lines from offshore
where the stations are visible for horizontal sextant angles to be taken and plotted on a
launch field sheet, at the same time the recorded sounding is noted and given a fix
number. It is normal for the lines to be run at right angles to the coastline.

Back at the base whether it be ashore or on board the survey ship, the positions of the
base line and the triangulation stations are plotted. Usually it is found that by laying off
the calculated lengths of the sides of the various triangles of the system and the observed
angles from each station that the system will not close ( mainly due to human error in
observations). Then the whole system has to be processed through a "Chain Adjustment"
calculation, where the observed angles are modified slightly in order for the system to
close. This is not unlike the process of refining the times for plotting the GPS position as
mentioned in the previous chapter.

The accuracy of the Hydrographic Survey must be tied to the accuracy of the Geodetic
Survey, so that Topographic Maps will then gibe with Nautical Charts.

In the past each country or groups of countries established their own Geodetic Datum and
as long as the navigator was using Nautical Charts based on the same datum, then
observed positions could be accurately plotted.
Now that we are dealing with GPS for the determination of positions, a World Geodetic
System has been established upon which GPS positions and Electronic Charting will
produce accurate positions.

In the late 1950's the increasing range and sophistication of weapons systems had
rendered the local datums inadequate and so with the new weapons requiring datums
which were at least continental in scope. The U.S. Department of Defense developed a
geocentric reference system to which geodetic systems could be referred and established
compatibility between the coordinates of sights of interest. These efforts were combined
leading to the establishment of the World Geodetic System of 1960 (WGS60).

Over the years the system has been further refined to produce the World Geodetic System
of 1984 (WGS84). As of 1990 (WGS84) is being used by Defense and Mapping Agency
in the production of charts for surface navigation.

The WGS is not based on a single point, but on many points, fixed with extreme
precision by satellite fixes and statistical methods. The result is an ellipsoid which fits
the real surface of the earth, or geoid, far more accurately than any other. The WGS
system is applicable worldwide.

DATUM SHIFTS

One impact of different datums on navigation appears when a navigation system

produces a fix based on a different datum from that used on a nautical chart. The
resulting plotted position may be different from the actual location on that chart.
This difference is known as Datum Shift.

Another effect on navigation occurs when shifting between charts which have been
made using different datums.

If a position is re-plotted on a chart of another datum using only latitude and longitude for
locating that position, the newly plotted position will not match any other charted
features. This datum shift may be avoided by re-plotting using bearings and ranges to
common points on the chart. If datum shift conversion notes for the applicable datum
are given on the chart, positions defined by latitude and longitude may be re-plotted after
applying the noted correction.

The positions given for chart corrections in the Notices to Mariners reflect the proper
datum for each specific chart and number. Due to the conversion of charts based on old
datums to more modern ones, and the use of many different datums throughout the world,
chart corrections intended for one edition of a chart may not safely be plotted on any
other.

These datum shifts are not constant throughout an area, but vary according to how the
various datums fit together. For example charts produced on NAD 27 converted to NAD
83 results in changes in latitude of 11 metres in New York, 40 metres in Miami, and 20
metres in Seattle. Longitude changes for this conversion are about 35 metres in New
York, 22 metres in Miami, and about 93 metres in Seattle.

Figure 6.01 illustrates the positions of other national datums when compared to WGS 84.

Most up to date charts will have references to the Datum on which the chart is based.
A datum note on charts where satellite positions can be plotted without correction will
read: "positions obtained from satellite navigation systems referred to (REFERENCE
DATUM) can be plotted directly on this chart".

Where charts have been produced from old datums, it may not be possible to reference
them to modern geodetic control due to the lack of initial survey control.

A few charts may have no datum notes at all, but may carry a notes which says: "From
various sources to (year)". In these cases there is no way for the navigator to determine
the mathematical difference between local datum and WGS positions. However, if a radar
or visual fix can be determined accurately, the difference between this fix and a satellite
fix can determine an approximate correction factor which will be reasonably consistent
for that local area.

MINIMIZING ERRORS CAUSED BY DIFFERING DATUMS

Plot Chart Corrections only on the specific charts and editions for which they are
intended.

Endeavour to determine the source and datum of positions of temporary features such as
drilling rigs. In general they are given in the datum of the area, and since these are
usually positioned using satellites WGS is the normal datum. Any datum correction
required may be found on a local chart of the area.

If the datum of a plotted feature is not known an allowance should be made for
inaccuracies in position.

Know how the datum of the positioning system you are using (Loran, GPS etc.) relates to
your chart.