Eurocontrol WGS 84

Version 2.
4
February 12, 1998
WGS 84 IMPLEMENTATION
MANUAL
Prepared by
EUROCONTROL
European Organization for the Safety of
Air Navigation
Brussels, Belgium
and
IfEN
Institute of Geodesy and Navigation (IfEN)
University FAF Munich, Germany
Foreword i
FOREWORD
1. The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), at the thirteenth meeting
of its 126th Session on 3 March 1989, approved Recommendation 3.2/1 of the fourth meeting
of the Special Committee on Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS/4) concerning the
adoption of the World Geodetic System - 1984 (WGS 84) as the standard geodetic reference
system for future navigation with respect to international civil aviation. FANS/4
Recommendation 3.2/1 reads:
"Recommendation 3.2/1 - Adoption of WGS 84

That ICAO adopts, as a standard, the geodetic reference system WGS 84 and
develops appropriate ICAO material, particularly in respect of Annexes 4 and 15,
in order to ensure a rapid and comprehensive implementation of the WGS 84
geodetic reference system. "
2. The ICAO Council at the ninth meeting of its 141st Session, on 28 February 1994, adopted
amendment 28 to Annex 15. Consequential amendments to Annexes 4, 11 and 14, Volume I
and II will be adopted by the Council in due course. The Standards and Recommended
Practices (SARPS) in Annexes 11 and 14, Volumes I and II govern the determination and
reporting of the geographical coordinates in terms of WGS 84 geodetic reference system.
Annexes 4 and 15 SARPS govern the publication of information in graphic and textual form.
The States' aeronautical information service department will publish in Aeronautical
Information Publications (AIP), on charts and in electronic data base where applicable,
geographical coordinate values based on WGS 84 which are supplied by the other State
aeronautical services, i.e. the air traffic services department and the aerodrome engineering
department.
3. The purpose of this manual is to furnish guidance in the provision of geographical coordinates
referenced to the WGS 84 datum in order to assist States in the uniform implementation of the
SARPS on WGS 84.
Table of Contents ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ii
LIST OF ACRONYMS iv
LIST OF FIGURES vii
LIST OF TABLES viii
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Effects of using differing coordinate reference systems in aviation 1
1.2 Magnitude of the problem 3
1.3 Navigational implications 4
1.4 Approved solution to the problem 5
1.5 Purpose of the manual 6
CHAPTER 2 ACCURACY CONSIDERATIONS OF POINTS IN AVIATION 7
2.1 Type and classification 9
2.2 Requirements 12
CHAPTER 3 THE GLOBAL WGS 84 COORDINATE SYSTEM 13
3.1 Definition of the WGS 84 coordinate system 13
3.2 Realization of the WGS 84 coordinate system 15
CHAPTER 4 A GUIDE TO GET WGS 84 COORDINATES 17
4.1 Case 1: Coordinates in a local reference frame are available 18
4.2 Case 2: No (sufficiently accurate) coordinates are available 21
4.3 Case 3: Digitized coordinates from maps are available 24
CHAPTER 5 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND INTEGRITY 27
5.1 Quality Definitions 27

Table of Contents iii
5.2 QA implementation 30
5.3 Integrity 34
CHAPTER 6 DELIVERABLES 38
6.1 Survey Reporting Requirements 38
6.2 A basic reporting structure 39
6.3 Formats, Standard Algorithms and Working Practices 41
6.4 Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) 48
APPENDIX A THE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) 55
APPENDIX B PRINCIPLES OF GEODESY 64
APPENDIX C THE INTERNATIONAL TERRESTRIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM (ITRS) 77
APPENDIX D THE EUROPEAN TERRESTRIAL REFERENCE FRAME (ETRF) 78
APPENDIX E DATUM TRANSFORMATION FORMULAS 80
APPENDIX F SURVEYING AND PHOTOGRAMMETRIC METHODS 86
APPENDIX G MAP PROJECTIONS 92
APPENDIX H SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE 103
REFERENCES 110
INDEX 113
List of Acronyms iv
LIST OF ACRONYMS
A-S Anti-Spoofing
AIP Aeronautical Information Publications
AIS Aeronautical Information Service
AOC Airport Obstruction Chart
AOC Auxiliary Output Chip
ARINC Aeronautical Radio INC provides secretariat and technical staff for various
airline committees. The ARINC 424 is a format for the transfer of data from
one data base to another.
ARP Aerodrome Reference Point
ATC Air Traffic Control
ATS Air Traffic Services
BIH Bureau International de l´Heure
C/A-Code Coarse/Acquisition-Code
CAD Computer Aided Design
CERCO Comité Européen des Responsables de la Cartographie Officielle
CIO Conventional International Origin
CTA Control Area
CTP Conventional Terrestrial Pole
CTZ Control Zone
CTS Conventional Terrestrial System
DGPS Differential GPS
DME Distance Measurement Equipment
E-AIP Electronic AIP
ECAC European Civil Aviation Conference
ECEF Earth Centred, Earth Fixed
EDM Electronic Distance Measurement
EGM Earth Gravity Field Model
ETRF European Terrestrial Reference Frame
EUREF European Geodetic Reference System
FAA Federal Aviation Administration (USA)
FACF Final Approach Course Fix
List of Acronyms v
FAF Final Approach Fix

FANS Future Air Navigation System
FIR Flight Information Region
FMS Flight Management System
GIS Geographical Information Systems
GLONASS Global Navigation Satellite System
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GP Generating Polynomial
GPS Global Positioning System
GRS 80 Geodetic Reference System 1980
IAG International Association of Geodesy
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
IERS International Earth Rotation Service
INS Inertial Navigation System
IRM IERS Reference Meridian
IRP IERS Reference Pole
ISO International Organization for Standardization
ITRF International Terrestrial Reference Frame
ITRS International Terrestrial Reference System
LAN Local Area Network
MAPt Missed Approach Point
MCS Master Control Station
MSL Mean Sea Level
NAVSTAR NAVigation System with Time And Ranging
NDB Nondirectional Beacon
NNSS Navy Navigation Satellite System
OCS Operational Control System
P-Code Precision-Code
PDOP Position Dilution of Precision
PPS Precise Positioning Service
PRN Pseudo-Random Noise
PRNAV Precision Area Navigation
RNAV Area Navigation
RNP Required Navigation Performance
List of Acronyms vi
RTCA Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics

S/A Selective Availability
SARPS Standards and Recommended Practices
SAVVAN Système Automatique de Vérification en Vol des Aides a la Navigation, i.e.
Automatic In-flight Navigation Aids Checking System
SID Standard Instrument Departure
SLR Satellite Laser Ranging
SPS Standard Positioning Service
STAR Standard Instrument Arrival
UAC Maastricht Upper Airspace Centre
UDDF Universal Data Delivery Format
UIR Upper Information Region
UTM Universal Transverse Mercator
VLBI Very Long Base-Line Interferometry
VOR Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range
WGS 84 World Geodetic System 1984
List of Figures vii
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. 1-1. Datum problem in air navigation 2

Fig. 1-2. ∆LAT, ∆LON between local and WGS-72 (‘’) 3
Fig. 3-1. The WGS 84 coordinate system definition 14
Fig. 3-2. Realization of origin and orientation of WGS 84 15
Fig. 4-1. Error propagation in datum transformation 20
Fig. 4-2. From terrestrial surveying data to WGS 84 coordinates 21
Fig. 4-3. From results of photo-flights to WGS 84 coordinates 23
Fig. 5-1. QA loop 31
Fig. 5-2. Model of State Quality Plan 31
Fig. 5-3. Example of Quality Plans within a Quality System 33
Fig. 6-1. UDDF format for navigational aid data 42
Fig. 6-2. Data divided by GP to generate the CRC 52
Fig. 6-3. Data with CRC divided by GP to establish, whether corruption has occurred 53
Fig. A-1. Pseudorange and carrier phase measurement 57
Fig. A-2. Principle of GPS absolute positioning 58
Fig. A-3. Differential GPS real-time positioning 61
Fig. A-4. Accuracy of GPS 63
Fig. B-1. The Earth as a sphere, derived from arc measurements 65
Fig. B-2. Local ellipsoids are best-fitted to the specific country 66
Fig. B-3. The Earth as a geoid 67
Fig. B-4. Earth-fixed spatial Cartesian system (X, Y, Z) 68
Fig. B-5. Ellipsoidal geographic coordinates 69
Fig. B-6. Spatial ellipsoidal coordinate system 70
Fig. B-7. The geoid as reference surface for heights 75
Fig. D-1. Status ETRF-89/EUREF -01 Jan 1995- 79
Fig. E-1. General principle of a datum transformation 80
Fig. F-1. Principle of spirit levelling 87
Fig. F-2. Overlapping vertical photos taken by an aerial camera 89
Fig. F-3. Bundle block adjustment 89
Fig. F-4. Minimal amount of ground control by using DGPS 90
List of Tables viii
LIST OF TABLES
Tab. 1-1. Air navigation coordinates of interest 6

Tab. 2-1. Accuracy and probability 8
Tab. 2-2. RNP types 8
Tab. 2-3. Types of positional data and examples 10
Tab. 2-4. Classification of positional data 11
Tab. 3-1. Primary parameters of WGS 84 14
Tab. 6-1. Integrity and CRC length 51
Tab. A-1. Observation noise and error propagation 59
Tab. A-2. GPS surveying modes and accuracy 60
Tab. B-1. Reference ellipsoid names and constants 71
Tab. B-2. Reference surface differences with respect to the geoid 76
Tab. E-1. WGS 84 transformation parameters 85
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Effects of using differing coordinate reference systems

in aviation
Datum problems in air navigation were first encountered at
EUROCONTROL in the early 1970's during the development of multi-radar
tracking systems for the Maastricht Upper Airspace Centre (UAC), where
plot data from radars located in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands were
processed to form a composite track display for air traffic controllers (ATC).
Discrepancies in the radar tracks were found to be the result of incompatible
coordinates.
In the mid-1970's, during trajectography experiments with the French

SAVVAN System (Système Automatique de Vérification en Vol des Aides a
la Navigation, i.e. Automatic In-flight Navigation Aids Checking System)
positional 'jumps' were noticed when switching between Distance
Measurement Equipment (DME) transponders located in different countries.
Once more, the errors could only be attributed to incompatibility of the
coordinates of ground aids.
Main Reason for this Effect
If a ground-based radar navigation aid is coordinated in two or more different

reference frames, aircraft horizontal position determination will have two or
more different sets of latitude and longitude values. In metric units the two
aircraft locations could show a discrepancy of up to several hundred meters
when simultaneously located and tracked by two radars: Radar 1 and Radar 2
(see Fig. 1-1). This could lead to a situation an aircraft, close to a border
between two countries with different reference frames, could be seen by
radars in the two countries as having different positions with the potential for
misinterpreting inter-aircraft separations and clearances from restricted areas
etc.
Thus - the main source of systematic errors is the non-use of a common

geodetic reference datum for quoting the radar positions and its solution is to
derive the radar positions in a common system.
Radar Radar Horizontal Aircraft

Datum 1 Datum 2 Position
Datum 1 Datum 2
Fig. 1-1. Datum prob-
Positional discrepancy ≈100m - 3000m lem in air navigation
There are many geodetic reference datums in use throughout the world Datum, geodetic refere-
providing references for the charting of particular areas. Each datum has nce frame, ellipsoid and
the geoid are explained
been produced by fitting a particular mathematical Earth model (ellipsoid) to
in Appendix B
the true shape of the Earth (geoid) in such a way as to minimize the
differences between the ellipsoid and the geoid over the area of interest.
Most ellipsoids in current use were derived in the last century and were
normally referenced to a local observatory. These different datums and
ellipsoids produce different latitude and longitude grids and hence, different
sets of geographical coordinates. Different countries developed their own
geodetic datums which usually differed from those of adjacent countries. As
distance requirements increased beyond national boundaries, new
requirements arose from datums on at least continental scale.
If we look at the current situation, we have to acknowledge that in the en-

route environment the use of ground-based navigation aids in different
reference frames does not have any significant effect since the primary means
of navigation remains the use of VOR or NDB signals to define radial tracks
to or from the beacon with turning points either at the beacon or at a distance
from it defined by the DME. In such circumstances the published co-ordinates
do not affect the track flown by the aircraft.
Nevertheless, this will change dramatically either in the approach phase or

landing, or where reduced lateral aircraft separation is implemented, i.e. the
future Area Navigation (RNAV) or RNP (Required Navigation Perfor- More on RNAV and
RNP in Chapter 2
mance) systems with higher accuracy and integrity requirements. Therefore,
these discrepancies will no longer be tolerable and demand the introduction
of a common geodetic reference system.
The United States Department of Defense (World Geodetic System More on the definition
Committee) has defined and developed a number of geocentric reference and realization of WGS
systems, to which other geodetic networks may be referred. The continued 84 in Chapter 3
development using increasingly available satellite information has resulted in
the World Geodetic System - 1960 (WGS-60), 1966 (WGS-66), 1972
(WGS-72) and the current definition, 1984 (WGS 84).
1.2 Magnitude of the problem

As already outlined the datum discrepancies between one geodetic reference
frame and another depend upon:
• Order of magnitude of the three origin shifts

• Magnitude of the three axial rotations
• Scale factor value
• Shape of the reference ellipsoid (if working in geographical coordinates).
For historical reasons almost all countries already have a national reference See Chapter 1.1 and
frame with a specific set of datum parameters. The datum discrepancies Tab. E-1
range from metres to kilometres.
Fig. 1-2 illustrates the magnitude of positional differences for Europe

between points expressed in different geodetic datums. The figure represents
the differences in seconds of arc between values in national geodetic datums
and WGS-72 in five States for latitude and longitude respectively. WGS-72
has been used for this illustration because the transformation parameters from
the national geodetic datums were known. From Fig. 1-2 it can be deduced
that the differences in position of points with respect to different national
geodetic datums and WGS-72 can attain an order of a few hundreds of
metres for a particular country.
Fig. 1-2. ∆LAT, ∆LON

between local and
WGS-72 (‘’)
1.3 Navigational implications

Geographical coordinates used in the aviation environment today are
generally of two types, i.e. ground-derived coordinates and navigation-system
derived coordinates. Ground-derived coordinates are those that are obtained
through surveys, calculations and measurements. They are published by the
civil aviation authorities in documents and charts made available to the public.
Navigation-system derived coordinates, on the other hand, are coordinates
generated by the airborne systems from accelerometers and ground-based or
satellite-based signals.
Ground-derived coordinates (Latitude and longitude) are determined with

measurements and calculations on mathematical reference models. These
models represent the shape of the Earth in a particular geographic region and
are called geodetic datums. For example, coordinates used by civil aviation in
the United States are mathematically referenced or calculated to the North
For NAD, ED see Tab.
American Datum (NAD), in Japan to the Tokyo datum and in Europe to the
E-1 of Appendix E
European Datum (ED). Each of these datums uses a different mathematical
model that "best fits" or provides the best representations of the Earth's
shape in that specific geographic region. Even though aviation documents
seldom publicise a geodetic datum, it is common practice for a State to use a
specific datum for all mapping, charting and geodetic activities. The
mathematical parameters of these datums differ, the location of the centre of
each datum differs and, except for those countries which have already
converted to the use of an earth centred datum, none of the datum centres
coincide with the centre of gravity of the Earth.
Unlike ground-derived coordinates, navigation-system derived coordinates

are Earth-centred. The Inertial Navigation System (INS) uses accelerometers
on a gyro or laser ring stabilized platform to sense movement and determine
aircraft position. The alignment of the platform relates to the Earth's centre of
mass and rotation resulting in INS-generated coordinates that are referenced
to the Earth's centre. This means that published coordinates as referenced to
local geodetic datums will not compare, directly, with INS-generated
coordinates. Because INS is aligned with local coordinates before take-off, it
is most accurate within the area defined by the local datum. Inter-datum
flights up to the present, have not been hindered by the "coordinate shift"
which is small compared with the drift of the INS on the en-route phase of
long distance flights .
Coordinates derived by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

airborne system from signals received from satellites will be Earth-centred
because the GNSS satellites operate with an Earth-centred reference model,
WGS 84. GNSS coordinates will not compare with coordinates based on
local geodetic datums except in areas where coordinates have been readjusted
to an Earth-centred datum. This means that the difference between the
coordinates of a point referenced to a local geodetic datum and the
coordinates of that same point referenced to the Earth-centred WGS 84
datum has to be taken into account.
1.4 Approved solution to the problem

The solution to the problems in chapter 1.1 to 1.3 is the implementation of
WGS 84 as a common geodetic reference frame.
The first step in the implementation of any coordinate transformation

proposal will be always an inventory. In order to make an assessment of the
current quality of the published geographical coordinates of aeronautical
facilities required for air navigation, it is necessary to review all existing data.
A survey inventory questionnaire designed for this purpose has already been The questionnaire is
developed by EUROCONTROL. Information provided by the use of such a provided for reference
in Appendix H
questionnaire will allow the identification of those items for which a field
survey is required in order to verify positions. This will allow accurate
estimates to be made of the survey work that will need to be carried out.
Analysis of the questionnaire data will identify the navigation aids and
aerodrome points and facilities which need to be re-surveyed. Where
coordinates are known to the required accuracy and integrity it will allow
direct transformation to the WGS 84 geodetic reference frame by
mathematical means.
In principle there are two approaches which can be used as stand-alone or More on transfor-
combined methods to transform a survey given in adequately precise national mations and how to get
WGS 84 coordinates in
coordinates to WGS 84 (or to a reference frame compatible with WGS 84
Chapter 4.
being earth centred and having a sufficient accuracy. Suitable reference More on ETRF and
frames would be the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) and a ITRF in Appendices C
local version of this called the European Terrestrial Reference Frame and D
(ETRF)):
• Surveying at least three control stations (covering the area under
consideration) to obtain WGS 84 coordinates, and determining the
datum parameters between the national reference frame and WGS 84.
• Determining by a computational datum transformation WGS 84
coordinates for all remaining points.
The two general groups of air navigation points which have to be surveyed
are shown in Tab. 1-1.
AREA/EN-ROUTE COORDINATES AERODROME COORDINATES

ATS/RNAV routes ARP´s
Holding points Thresholds
Radio NavAids Radio NavAids - Non precision
Restricted/Prohibited/Danger areas Radio NavAids - Precision
Obstacles - En route Extended Runway centrelines
FIR boundaries FAF´s
CTA, CTZ Runway centreline
Other significant points Tab. 1-1. Air navigation
coordinates of interest
1.5 Purpose of the manual

The purpose of this manual is to furnish guidance in the provision of
geographical coordinates referenced to the WGS 84 datum in order to assist
States in the uniform implementation of the SARPS on WGS 84 as contained in:
Annex 4 - Aeronautical Charts

Annex 11 - Air Traffic Services
Annex 14, Aerodromes, Volume I - Aerodrome design and operations
Annex 14, Aerodromes, Volume II-Heliports
Annex 15, Aeronautical Information Services
The manual is intended to be amended from time to time. Users are invited to
forward directly to EUROCONTROL suggestions for improvements or
additions based on their practical experience when using this manual. Errors
or discrepancies noticed in the manual should be brought to the attention of:
The WGS 84 Support Office

Division DEI 2
EUROCONTROL
Rue de la Fusée, 96
B-1130 Brussels
BELGIUM
Chapter 2 Accuracy Considerations of Points in Aviation 7
CHAPTER 2
ACCURACY CONSIDERATIONS OF
POINTS IN AVIATION
2 ACCURACY CONSIDERATIONS OF
POINTS IN AVIATION
Traditional navigation techniques have relied upon the ability to fly to or from
point navigation aids. Whilst the coordinates of the navigation aids have been
provided, this information has not been used as part of the navigation
process. Increasing use is being made of Area Navigation (RNAV) systems
which derive the aircraft position from such sources as Inertial Navigation
Systems (INS), Omega, VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR)/Distance
Measuring Equipment (DME), Dual or multi DME and Global Navigation
Satellite Systems (GNSS). Based on these data, RNAV systems generate a-
ppropriate instructions to the autopilots which enable the aircraft to follow
the planned route during departure, en-route and approach phases and,
potentially with the introduction of GNSS, the landing phases.
For such operations the track actually flown by the aircraft depends upon the
coordinates defining both the track and the location of ground navigation
aids. With the advent of precision RNAV (RNP 1) routes and the extension
of RNAV application to Terminal Area (TMA) procedures, greater precision
is required and it is necessary to ensure that the data defining the track to be
flown is of an accuracy and integrity which is consistent with the RNP
requirements.
Definition of accuracy
The degree of conformity with a standard, or a value accepted as correct or

true. For measured positional data the accuracy is normally expressed in
terms of a distance from a stated position within which there is a defined
confidence of the true position falling.
Definition of integrity
The integrity of data can be regarded as the degree of assurance that any
data item retrieved from a storage system has not been corrupted or altered
in any way since the original data entry or its latest authorized amendment.
For the EUROCONTROL WGS 84 Implementation programme, the

accuracy requirements are based upon a 95% confidence level. The
underlying statistical distribution for positional data in two dimensions is

usually taken to be the circular normal distribution. The probability (P) of a
point actually falling within a circle of radius cσ around its reported position,
where σ represents the standard univariate deviation and c is a numeric
2
coefficient, is P = 1 - exp (-c /2).
The Circular Error Probable (CEP) is the radius of the circle within which
50% of the measurements lie, that is, 1.1774σ. The radius within which 95%
of the measurements lie is 2.448δor 2.079 x CEP. The following Tab. 2-1
relates σ error-values, probable errors and probabilities in one, two and three
dimensions.
Tab. 2-1. Accuracy and
Accuracy One Dimensional Two Dim. Three Dim. probability
Expression Probability Probability Probability
Three Sigma 99.7 % 98.9 % 97.1 %
Two Sigma 95.0 % 86.0 % 78.8 %
One Sigma 68.0 % 39.3 % 19.9 %
Probable Error 50.0 % (0.67 σ) 50.0 % (1.18 σ) 50.0 % (1.54 σ)
The RNP types (see Tab. 2-2) specify the navigation performance accuracy of
all the user and navigation system combinations within an airspace. RNP
types can be used by airspace planners to determine airspace utilization
potential and as an input in defining route widths and traffic separation
requirements, although RNP by itself is not sufficient basis for setting a
separation standard.
Tab. 2-2. RNP types

RNP 1 RNP 4 RNP 12.6 RNP 20
ACCURACY
95 % position ± 1.85 km ± 7.4 km ± 23.3 km ± 37 km
accuracy in
(± 1.0 NM) (± 4.0 NM) (± 12.6 NM) (± 20.0 NM)
the designated
airspace
Definition of precision
A measure of the tendency of a set of random numbers to cluster about a
number determined by the set. Usual measure: Standard deviation with
respect to the average or its reciprocal.
Definition of resolution
The smallest difference between two adjacent values which can be
represented in a measuring system. The number of decimal points or the
scale of units to which a measured or calculated data item can be recorded,
displayed or transferred.
The terms 'precision' and 'resolution' are often interchangeable in general use.
Here it is a measure of the data field capacities that are available within a
specific system design. (Example: 54° 33' 15" is expressed to a resolution of
one second). Any process that manipulates data subsequent to the original
measurement or definition cannot increase the precision to which the data
were originally measured or defined, regardless of the resolution available
within the system itself.
2.1 Type and classification

As already outlined in Chapter 1, Tab. 1-1 air navigation points can be
divided into two groups:
• Area and/or en-route points
• Aerodrome points.
Besides this categorization air navigation points can be categorized by the
type of positional data.
TYPES OF POSITIONAL DATA
Three types of positional data have been defined: surveyed points, declared
points and calculated points.
Surveyed Points
A surveyed point is a clearly defined physical point, specified by latitude and

longitude, that has been determined by a survey, conducted in accordance
with standards developed for the implementation of WGS84. Communication
facilities; gates; navaids; navigation check points; obstacles; obstructions and
runway thresholds are usually surveyed points.
Declared Points
A declared point is a point in space, defined by latitude and longitude, that is

not dependent upon, nor formally related to, any known surveyed point.
Airspace boundary points and oceanic entry and exit points are often declared
points.
Calculated Points
A calculated point is a point in space which need not be specified explicitly in

latitude and longitude, but which has been derived, by mathematical
manipulation, from a known surveyed point. A fix, specified by radial/bearing
and range from a known surveyed point such as a navaid, or by the
intersection of a number of radial/bearings from a number of navaids, is an
example of a calculated point. En-route waypoints, which are computed from
the intersection of great circle routes, or cross radial fixes on great circle
routes, are also calculated points, albeit that they are reported in latitude and
longitude.
The data types are summarized in Tab. 2-3.
TYPE EXAMPLES Tab. 2-3. Types of

positional data and
Surveyed Thresholds, navaids, obstructions, examples
navigation check points, gate positions
Declared FIR/UIR boundaries, reporting points,
Prohibited/Restricted airspace
Calculated Waypoints, FAF, FACF, MAPt, ARP
Source of Survey / Positional Data
It is normally the responsibility of nominated technical branches within the

Aviation Authority of a Contracting State to ensure the origination of the raw
data required to be promulgated by the AIS (Aeronautical Information
Service). On receipt of the raw data, the technical branches must check,
record and edit the data so that it can be released in a standard format.
Raw AIS data containing positional information can originate from a number
of different sources:
• En Route
The location of navaids and communication facilities (-> surveyed) are
normally provided by the owner/operator of the equipment.
• Specific aerodrome information (gate positions, obstructions, etc. ->

surveyed) is normally provided by the owner/operator of the aerodrome.
• Airspace divisions and restrictions (-> declared, no survey) may be

defined by the national aviation authority, national military authorities or
other government bodies. Such divisions and restrictions may be either
temporary or permanent.
• SID, STAR, Approach / Holding procedures -> calculated, no survey.

These are usually determined by the air traffic service provider responsible
for the procedure, in conjunction with the appropriate technical branch
within the national aviation authority, who may have access to computer-
aided modelling facilities to validate the procedure design.
CLASSIFICATION OF POSITIONAL DATA
The positional AIS data can be divided into a number of classes based upon More information on
the user requirements for accuracy and integrity. integrity in
Chapter 5
Tab. 2-4 classifies data as function of accuracy, integrity and resolution.
Class Operation Data Items (C=Calculated, Accuracy Integrity Use (Resolution)

S=Surveyed, D=Declared) (95%)
1 Critical Path Runway Threshold (S), 1m Critical AIP: Threshold 1’’
Points FACF (C), Final Approach CAT I: 424: Waypoint,Runway Records 1’’
Passing Points (C), MAPt 3 x 10-8 UDDF: Runway Centreline End,
(S/C), FAF (S/C) CAT III: Displaced Threshold 0.0001’’
8 x 10-10
2 Navigation Check Locations (S) 0.5 m Essential AIP: INS Coordinates 0.01’’
Check Points 3 x 10-5 424: Gate Records 0.01’’
3 Landing and MLS (S) (Azimuth, 1m Critical AIP: Helicopter Alighting Area, Radio
Take-Off Elevation, Back Azimuth, 3 x 10-8 Navigation /Landing Facilities 1’’
Datum), Helicopter 424: MLS/Heliport Records 0.01’’
Landing Areas (S) UDDF: Navaid 0.0001’’
4 Final DME/Precision (S) 3m Critical AIP: Radio Navigation /Landing
Approach 3 x 10-8 Facilities 1’’
424: VHF Navaid Records 0.01’’
UDDF: Navaid 0.0001’’
5 Obstructions Obstructions in 3m Routine AIP: Obstruction 1°/1m from
Approach/Take Off Areas 1 x 10-3 Threshold
(S) 424: Object in Approach/Primary
Area 0.01’’
6 Departure, DME (S), VOR (S), 30 m Essential AIP: Radio Navigation /Landing
Arrival and TACAN (S), Terminal 1 x 10-5 Facilities 1’’
Non- NDB (S), Marker (S), 424: VHF Navaid Records 0.01’’,
precision SID/STAR Approach Waypoint Records 1’’
Approaches Waypoint (C) UDDF: Navaid 0.0001’’
7 Reference ARP (C), HRP (S), 30 m Routine AIP: ARP 1’’, Heliport 1’’,
Points and Obstructions at 1 x 10-3 Obstruction 1°/1m from ARP
Obstructions Aerodrome/Circling Area 424: Airport Records 0.01’’
(S) UDDF: ARP 0.0001’’, Object not in
Approach/Primary Area 0.01’’
8 En-Route: DME/N (S), VOR (S), 100 m Essential AIP: Navigation Facilities, En-Route
Navaids, TACAN (S), NDB (S), 1 x 10-5 1’’, ATS/RNAV/Helicopter Routes
Holding Routes and RNAV 1’’, Ground Lights 1’’, Air
Patterns, Waypoints (C), Navigation Obstacles 1’’, Grid on
Routes and Aeronautical Ground Parking/Docking Chart 0.1’
Designated Lights (S), Air Navigation 424: VHF Navaid/NDB Navaid
Points Obstacles (S), Aircraft /Waypoint/Gate Records 0.01’’
Stands (S) UDDF: Navaid 0.0001’’
9 Airspace FIR/UIR, TMA, T/FIA, 100 m Routine AIP: FIR/UIR/TMA/T/FIA/HPA
Designations, HPA, CTR, ATZ, TIZ, 1 x 10-3 /CTR/ATZ/TIZ/HPZ 1’’, Areas, ATS
Other AIP HPZ (D/C), Prohibited, Communication Facilities, Special
Coordinate Restricted and Danger Navigation Systems SAR Units, Radar
Information Areas (D), Military Stations 1’’
Training Areas (D), Air- 424: Restrictive Airspace/FIR/UIR
port/Heliport/En-Route Records 0.01’’, Airport/Heliport /En-
Communications (S), ILS, route Communication 0.01’’,
Decca, Loran, Consol Sta- Localizer/Glide Slope/Airways
tions, Airways Marker (S) Marker Records =.01’’
Tab. 2-4. Classification of positional

data
More detail on UDDF and
ARINC 424 in Chapter 6
2.2 Requirements
For AIS data to be useable it must be accurate and, in this context, it can be
sub-divided into two distinct categories:
• Evaluated data
• Reference data
Evaluated data include such information as positional data, elevation, runway

length, declared distances, platform bearing characteristics and magnetic
variation; while reference data include navaid identifiers, navaid frequencies,
waypoint names, Rescue and Fire Fighting facilities, hours of operation and
telephone numbers.
The accuracy requirement for the reference data is absolute - the information
is either correct or it is not. Conversely, the degree of accuracy required of
the evaluated data will vary depending upon the use to which the data are to
be put. It follows that it is incumbent upon the users of the data to specify the
accuracy requirements. This manual only addresses evaluated positional data
but many of the procedures may be applied to other evaluated data and to
reference data, if required.
The requirements on data, which shall be contained within the data processing
procedures are explained in more detail in Chapter 5.
Chapter 3 The Global WGS 84 Coordinate System 13
CHAPTER 3
THE GLOBAL WGS 84 COORDINATE

SYSTEM
3 THE GLOBAL WGS 84 COORDINATE
SYSTEM
3.1 Definition of the WGS 84 coordinate system

The World Geodetic System - 1984 (WGS 84) coordinate system is a
Conventional Terrestrial System (CTS), realized by modifying the Navy
Navigation Satellite System (NNSS), or TRANSIT, Doppler Reference
Frame (NSWC 9Z-2) in origin and scale, and rotating it to bring its reference
meridian into coincidence with the Bureau International de l’Heure (BIH)-
defined zero meridian.
Origin and axes of the WGS 84 coordinate system are defined as following:
Origin = Earth’s centre of mass
Z-Axis = The direction of the Conventional Terrestrial Pole (CTP) for polar
motion, as defined by BIH on the basis of the coordinates adopted
for the BIH stations.
X-Axis = Intersection of the WGS 84 reference meridian plane and the plane
of the CTP’s equator, the reference meridian being the zero
meridian defined by the BIH on the basis of the coordinates
adopted for the BIH stations.
Y-Axis = Completes a right-handed, Earth Centred, Earth Fixed (ECEF)

orthogonal coordinate system, measured in the plane of the CTP
equator, 90° East of the x-axis.
An illustration of the WGS 84 coordinate system origin and axes, which serve
also as the geometric centre and the X, Y, and Z axes of the WGS 84
Ellipsoid, is given in Fig. 3-1.
Fig. 3-1. The WGS 84

coordinate system
definition
WGS 84 is an earth-fixed global reference frame, including an earth model. It

is defined by a set of primary and secondary parameters.
The primary parameters are given in Tab. 3-1 and define the shape of an
earth ellipsoid, its angular velocity, and the earth-mass which is included in
the ellipsoid of reference.
Tab. 3-1. Primary
PARAMETER NAME WGS 84 parameters of WGS 84
Semimajor axis a 6378137 m
Flattening f 1/298.257223563
Angular velocity ω 7.292115 x 10-5 rad s-1
Geocentric gravitational constant GM 398600.5 km3 s-2
(Mass of earth’s atmosphere
included)
Normalized 2nd degree zonal C 20 - 484.16685 x 10-6
harmonic coefficient of the
gravitational potential
The secondary parameters define a detailed Earth Gravity Field Model

(EGM) of the degree and order n=m=180.
The WGS 84 EGM through n=m=180 is to be used when calculating WGS

84 geoid heights, WGS 84 gravity disturbance components, and WGS 84
1° x 1° mean gravity anomalies via spherical harmonic expansions.
Expansions to this degree and order (n=m=180) are needed to accurately
model variations in the earth’s gravitational field on or near the earth’s
surface. The WGS 84 EGM through n=m=41 is more appropriate for satellite
orbit calculation (e.g. GPS navigation satellites) and prediction purposes.
3.2 Realization of the WGS 84 coordinate system

The origin and the orientation of coordinate axes in WGS 84 are defined by
the X, Y, Z coordinates of the five GPS monitoring stations (see Fig. 3-2).
Colorado Springs ln
l
Hawaii sl
Kwajalein
ls ls
n Master Control Station Ascen- Diego
l Monitor Station cion Garcia
s Ground Antenna
Historically the coordinates of the GPS tracking sites have been determined Fig. 3-2. Realization of
by the use of doppler measurements to the TRANSIT satellite navigation origin and orientation
system. Long observation periods of data have been processed in order to of WGS 84
derive precise station coordinates.
The use of TRANSIT doppler measurements in WGS 84 is a good example

of the practical realization of a reference system. It should be pointed out
once again that errors can propagate in the procedures used to realize
reference frames.
Accuracy of WGS 84 coordinates
The accuracy (one sigma) of WGS 84 coordinates directly determined in

WGS 84 by GPS Satellite Point Positioning, their respective precise
ephemerides and ground-based satellite tracking data acquired in static mode,
in terms of geodetic latitude φ, geodetic longitude λ, and geodetic height h
are:
Horizontal σφ = σλ= ± 1m (1σ)
Vertical σh = ± 1 ... 2 m (1σ)
These errors incorporate not only the observational error but the errors
associated with placing the origin of the WGS 84 coordinate system at the
earth´s centre of mass and determining the correct scale. These absolute
values should not be confused with the centimetre-precision of GPS
differential positioning. Historically, at the time of establishing WGS 84, only
Satellite Doppler measurements with corresponding accuracy were available
to determine the ground control segment of WGS 84.
The WGS 84 coordinates of a non-satellite derived local geodetic network

station will be less accurate than the WGS 84 coordinates of a GPS station.
This is due to the distortions and surveying errors present in local geodetic
datum networks, the lack (in general) of a sufficient number of properly
placed GPS stations collocated with local geodetic networks for use in
determining the transformation parameters, and the uncertainty introduced by
the datum transformation.
The accuracy of + 1 m in the definition of WGS 84 is sufficient for nearly all

air navigation applications. Additional considerations may be necessary, if for
example, satellite based landing systems down to CAT III are to be used in
future. Precision CAT III needs a vertical accuracy of 0.6 m (horizontal:
6.0 m), which cannot be supplied by WGS 84 according to its accuracy For more on ITRF see
definition, but for instance by ITRF. Appendix C
Chapter 4 A Guide to Get WGS 84 Coordinates 17
CHAPTER 4
A GUIDE TO GET WGS 84 COORDINATES
4 A GUIDE TO GET WGS 84

COORDINATES
The following chapter is intended to be a guide with ”recipes” for users to
produce WGS 84 coordinates. It is written in such a way that the user of the
manual is guided step by step to decide, dependent on the quality and/or
existence of his data, what he shall do to get WGS 84 coordinates.
So the first decision, which has to be made is to answer the following

question:
Are sufficiently accurate coordinates available?
Yes If these coordinates are available in a local reference frame, then

proceed to Case 1 (= Chapter 4.1) of this chapter. If the available
coordinates have been digitized from maps, then proceed to Case 3
(= Chapter 4.3) of this chapter.
When considering the use of existing data it is important to check and See Chapter 2, Tab. 2-4
control the coordinates of navigation facilities with respect to accuracy and Chapter 5 if the
and integrity before transforming them to WGS 84 by mathematical coordinates fulfil the
accuracy and integrity
means. One has to keep in mind that coordinates in air navigation requirements. See also
could be safety critical and that high integrity requirements have to be Ref. [6] and [15] for
fulfilled. In order to fulfil the minimum requirements for coordinates further information.
the surveyor must ensure that: See Ref. [3] and [5] for
help on performing a
• point labels have not been interchanged or misidentified, local survey and re-
dundant measurements
• that the coordinates can be verified by aid of redundant
measurements,
• that the accuracy is predictable and sufficient.
No If no accurate coordinates are available or if, for example, the integrity

requirements can not be fulfilled a re-survey with related field work
must be performed. The different methods of performing this re-survey
to provide accurate WGS 84 coordinates are explained under Case 2
(= Chapter 4.2).
4.1 Case 1: Coordinates in a local reference frame are available

Two approaches exist to transform coordinates given in national coordinates
to WGS 84 coordinates. They are dependent on the knowledge of the
transformation parameters, the type of coordinate system, and can be used as
stand-alone or combined methods.
4.1.1 Checking the type of coordinate system
Before carrying out a datum transformation, check if the transformation

parameters from the local reference frame to WGS 84 are known and answer
the following question.
Are all transformation parameters known ?
Yes Perform a computational datum transformation by using the datum DATUM (Ref. [2])
transformation formulas of Chapter 4.1.2 to determine the WGS 84 performs coordinate
transformations be-
coordinates. Several software programs exist to support this tween a variety of exist-
procedure, e.g. the DATUM program. ing geodetic reference
frames and WGS 84
No Use the GPS surveying technique to survey at known control stations See Chapter 4.2.2,
Appendix A and Tab. A-
(covering the area under consideration) to obtain WGS 84
2 for information on
coordinates. Since these control stations are known in the local GPS surveying
reference frame and in WGS 84, two sets of coordinates for identical
stations exist. These can then be used to determine the datum
parameters in the Helmert formula. At least three known control See Appendix E for a
stations have to be surveyed by GPS to get additional WGS 84 detailed description of
the Helmert Formula
coordinates for determining all seven Helmert transformation
parameters (using the Inverse Helmert transformation). However, in
practice it is usual to use as many common points as possible to
obtain the best estimate of the parameters by least squares (e.g., Ref.
[1]).
For the following example it is assumed that only the shifts of origin
between the local reference frame and WGS 84 have to be
determined and that therefore only one known control station was
GPS surveyed. The inverse Helmert formula for solving for the three
shift of origin parameters reads:
See Appendix E for a
∆X  X  X  detailed description of
∆Y  = Y  − Y  the Helmert Formula
     

∆ Z 
Z  
Z 
1 23 WGS84 Local
Shift of Origin
Assumption: No change in orientation (εX = εY = εZ = 0) and
scale (µ = 1) between the local reference frame and WGS − 84.
After determining all necessary transformation parameters, proceed
as explained in the beginning of chapter 4.1.1.
The way of referencing a local (e.g. relative) and sufficiently accurate See Chapter 2, Tab. 2-4
GPS aerodrome survey to WGS 84 by simply measuring the if the coordinates fulfil
the accuracy require-
coordinate differences between one aerodrome reference point to a ments.
known and monumented WGS 84 station is called direct geodetic See Chapter 4.2.2,
connection. On applying this procedure all the airport coordinates can Appendix A and Tab.
be directly transformed to WGS 84. However the problem is that A-2 for information on
even in Europe not many geodetic stations exist for which accurate GPS surveying.
WGS 84 coordinates are known. Therefore it is recommended in
Europe to use, if available, ETRF 89 stations for this purpose. In For more information
most European countries many ETRF 89 stations exist. If no ETRF on ETRF see
station is near the navigation facility, the connection survey can be Appendix D
very laborious. In this case long distances have to be traversed by
surveying, which could be very expensive.
4.1.2 Datum transformations
There are three different approaches for transforming coordinates from a

local datum to WGS 84. Use the
• Helmert´s formula to carry out the transformation in rectangular See Appendix E for a
Cartesian coordinates X,Y,Z using three-, four-, or seven parameter detailed description of
these datum trans-
transformations depending on the availability (and/or reliability) of the formations formulas
transformation parameters. See Tab. B-1 for a list
Helmert’s formula can also be applied for spatial ellipsoidal coordinates of reference ellipsoids
φ, λ, h by transforming from ellipsoidal coordinates to rectangular and parameters
coordinates and vice versa.
• Standard Molodensky Formula to solve the transformation in curvilinear See Tab. E-1 for a list
coordinates φ,λ,h. of WGS 84 trans-
formation parameters
• Multiple Regression Equation approach to account for the non-linear
distortion in the local geodetic datum.
4.1.3 Accuracy considerations
Because of error propagation a datum transformation will never improve the

survey accuracy. In most cases the accuracy of the transformed coordinates in
the absolute sense is worse than the accuracy of the original coordinates. It
has to be checked by the user, in particular, whether the resulting coordinate
accuracy still meets the requirements. Furthermore, this quality control may
be difficult to perform.
There are several reasons known for this loss of accuracy:

Because the datum or transformation parameters are, in many cases, only
weakly determined, substantial discrepancies of up to 50 m in datum
parameters can occur between published values from different reference
sources. Furthermore, the accuracy of a NavAid’s original coordinates may
not be sufficient, and in many cases the accuracy of the datum parameters is
undefined.
Another reason for degrading the accuracy of transformed coordinates is that

there may be a slight distortion in the national network in the area under
consideration.
Limitations of transformations
It should be noted that random and systematic errors in local survey data
transform directly to WGS 84.
Because of geodetic network geometry and error propagation in these

networks the local datum parameters for a country are, in practice, not
constant but vary with location in the geodetic network.
The signal-to-noise ratio for the datum parameters is in many cases close to
one, i.e. the noise level is very high relative to the magnitude of the datum
parameter itself. E.g. the orientation angles of a datum could be published
typically as, say,: 0.5 " + 0.3 ".
The predicted error, or uncertainty, is often larger than the value itself.
Fig. 4-1 shows in a qualitative manner how the errors in transformation

procedures propagate into transformed coordinates.
70
60
Coordinate 50
Transfor- 40
30
mation 20
10
Error 0
0,5
0,4
[m]
0,3
0 10
0,2
20
0,1
30 Datum
40
0
Datum 50 Orientation
Shift Error Error
[m] ["] Fig. 4-1. Error
propagation in datum
transformation
The error sources in a datum transformation are errors in the shift parameters,
in the orientation parameters and in the scale factor. The scale factor error is
incorporated in the above in that it is treated like an orientation error, in
radians, applied to the coordinate value to be transformed by multiplication.
Even an accurate survey with an internal accuracy of say 0.1 m may show,
after the transformation parameters have been applied, only meter level
accuracy in WGS 84. Here the difference between absolute and relative point
accuracy has to be considered.
4.2 Case 2: No (sufficiently accurate) coordinates are available

If there are no (adequately) precise coordinates available, a new field survey
must be performed using one of the following techniques:
• Conventional surveying
• GPS surveying
• Photogrammetry
Help in deciding, which of the above techniques is the most efficient one for
the new field survey may be gained from the following:-
• Use the GPS technique for surveying limited and relatively small areas in a
very economical way.
• Use the photogrammetric technique, if the area to be surveyed is very

large.
• Use conventional surveying, if the area to be surveyed contains a lot of

obstructions, which would lead to GPS signal losses or multipath.
There is no doubt that a complete resurvey of the point using

differential GPS satellite surveying techniques (relative to a known
station with WGS 84 coordinates) is the most accurate approach for
determining precise WGS 84 coordinates.
4.2.1 Determination by conventional terrestrial surveying
Fig. 4-2 shows, how WGS 84 coordinates can be obtained by terrestrial

surveying.
Field Data
Some instruments
Levelling have interactive Downloading Post
Theodolite field computation Field Data Processing
capabilities
Distance meter
Total Station
Reference WGS 84
Station Coordinates Fig. 4-2. From terres-
Data New Stations trial surveying data to
WGS 84 coordinates
Some of the conventional surveying instruments of modern type (levelling For more information
instrument, theodolite, distance meter, total station) have interactive field on conventional sur-
computational capabilities. After downloading the data via an interface into veying see Appendix F.
an office computer, final postprocessing is carried out.
Before the derived coordinates may enter the survey data base they have to See Chapter 5.2 for
be quality controlled and integrity checks have to be performed. Various more on quality control.
graphic visualizations of data and results can be done. See Chapter 5.3 for
more on integrity check
4.2.2 Determination by GPS surveying
As already outlined in the beginning of this section most of the field For the choice of the
surveying which is necessary for the positioning of navigation aids, radars, GPS surveying
technique, i.e. static,
runways, etc., is best carried out by differential GPS satellite surveying. The
rapid static, kinematic
method has the advantages of 24-hour all-weather operations, ease of use, survey, etc., which
speed, very economical, high accuracy and, most importantly, direct depends to a great
compatibility with the WGS 84 datum. extent on the desired
accuracy see Appendix
GPS receivers store the field data. After finishing the survey the data have to A and Tab. A-2
be downloaded to a computer where they are postprocessed using software
packages provided by GPS hardware manufacturers and/or universities.
The processing can be done either by individual baseline or in a multisession-

multistation network approach. Again, before the derived coordinates may See Chapter 5.2 for
enter the survey data base they have to be quality controlled and integrity more on quality control.
checks have to be performed. Various graphic visualizations of data and See Chapter 5.3 for
more on integrity check
results can be performed.
4.2.3 Determination by aerophotogrammetry
Fig. 4-3 shows the determination of WGS 84 coordinates by using photo-

grammetric flights.
Aerial Photos
GPS Data
Release/Permission
Photo Development
Stereo Model Construction

Ground (GPS) Data
Control Processing
Bundle Block
Adjustment
Coordinates in WGS 84 (ETRF 89)
The parameters of the photogrammetric flight have to be determined as a Fig. 4-3. From results
function of anticipated coordinate accuracy of the ground stations. If no of photo-flights to WGS
84 coordinates
WGS 84 coordinates at ground stations are available, they have to be
established using GPS differential surveying techniques. So a network of
ground control points whose coordinates and heights are known in advance For more information
is an essential requirement for referencing the newly derived coordinates to a on aerophotogrammetry
national datum. The points to be coordinated have to be marked so that a and the minimization of
unique identification in the aerial photos is possible. ground control stations
see Appendix F
After obtaining permission to release photo data (if necessary), they are
developed and the stereo model construction is carried out in a
photogrammetric instrument in the office. After inputting the ground control
coordinates and, if available, GPS-derived camera positions, the data are
processed by a bundle block adjustment.
Again, before the derived coordinates may enter the survey data base they See Chapter 5.2 for
have to be quality controlled and integrity checks have to be performed. more on quality control.
See Chapter 5.3 for
Various graphic visualization of data and results can then be done. more on integrity check
4.3 Case 3: Digitized coordinates from maps are available

This section helps the user to transform coordinates to WGS 84, if the
coordinates are available from digitized maps. After some remarks on the
restrictions of digitized maps the user is guided through the transformation
process in Chapter 4.3.2.
4.3.1 Restrictions
While digitized data has no inherent scale information, the accuracy of the
data is clearly limited by the corresponding accuracy of the analogue map
from which it was originally extracted, and of the digitising process involved.
A new analogue map may be printed at a larger scale than that of the original
map, but in doing so one does not increase the accuracy to that normally
associated with the larger scale. The problem is further compounded by the
frequent revision and updating of the data base with newly surveyed field
data.
Furthermore, the digitizing process involves the straightening and squaring

of regular objects, leading to apparently ”well drawn” maps even after the
enlargement process.
The most important drawback of digitized maps, however, is the very nature
of an analogue data base. High precision mapping coordinates are generally
given in National Grid Northings and Eastings, which have been obtained by
converting geodetic (ellipsoidal) coordinates into a map projection. In
addition to these, one must consider the more significant projection scale and
orientation errors inherent to all map projections. While these can be reduced
by the judicious use of an orthomorphic projection (e.g. Transverse
Mercator), they are still substantial, rendering the process of extracting
coordinate information from a map precarious. For example, if the grid
coordinates of two points are extracted from the map and the grid distance
computed, the distance would be up to 30 cm per kilometre shorter than the
value measured on the ground. This is significant and may be substantial.
So when digitizing coordinates from maps the following points should be

considered:
• Check how the map was established, by which technique (from analogue
data/digitizing of other maps, from digital data, etc.)
• In order to convert the Northings and Eastings to geographical

coordinates, it is necessary to know the exact formulas of the map
projection.
• Furthermore, it is necessary to know the original datum of the projected

coordinates as well as the new one, when transforming.
• Datum coordinate transformation can only be applied after converting map

projection coordinates to geodetic coordinates.
• The resulting accuracy of such coordinates should be checked and verified

in order to decide whether the anticipated accuracy needs have been met.
WGS 84 is the definition of the centre of mass of the Earth as determined in

1984 and all charts produced prior to that date using a different geodetic
reference will not correspond exactly to new charts based on WGS 84.
Finally, one has to bear in mind that maps never contain ellipsoidal heights!
For example, heights in different maps may refer to
• different zero points (tide gauges),
• different type of height systems. (There are not only orthometric heights.
For example, you find, so-called normal heights in Eastern Europe.)
4.3.2 Transformations
To transform digitized coordinates from maps to WGS 84, it is essential to

answer the following question:
Is the kind of map projection known, which was used in the local survey for
mapping the reference ellipsoid to the plane and for computing the plane
metric coordinates?
No If this question cannot be answered, then one has to proceed to

Chapter 4.2 and to perform a re-survey.
Yes If the type of map projection is known, the inverse map projection See Appendix G for
has to be calculated to compute latitude and longitude of the digitized different types of map
metric coordinates on the reference ellipsoid. projections
Note: All datum transformations require the use of the ellipsoidal

height h in the local system which is
h=H+N
where H is the orthometric height and N is the geoid height.
In general, only the orthometric height is known (and found also on

maps). The geoid height has to be taken from a digital model (if
available).
However, according to Ref. [2], an investigation was made checking

the effect of an unknown (orthometric) height on the transformed
latitude and longitude of a point using the Helmert transformation
formulas. By assigning heights ranging from zero metres to 8000 m, it
was concluded that the effect on both latitude and longitude was
negligible (less than 15cm at 8000 m). Consequently, for a point of
known latitude and longitude, but unknown (orthometric) height, an
arbitrary height of zero metres could be assigned without significantly
affecting the transformation.
Because national surveying agencies are using different kind of

reference ellipsoids, the next step is to determine this reference
ellipsoid in order to be able to perform the datum transformation from
the local datum to the global datum. Sometimes it may be possible to
transform directly from the local datum to WGS 84. If not, then a
further transformation from the global datum to WGS 84 has to be
undertaken.
The transformation from the local datum to WGS 84 can be done

following the explanation in Chapter 4.1.
Chapter 5 Quality Assurance and Integrity 27
CHAPTER 5
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND INTEGRITY
5 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND

INTEGRITY
5.1 Quality Definitions
It is essential to have a common understanding of the terminology used in
discussing quality issues. Most people will have different interpretations of
the meaning of ‘quality’ based on there personal experience as a consumer.
The following definitions and descriptions are included to establish
consistency.
Procedures
These describe the method used:-
• how the responsibilities for the task should be assigned.
• what should be achieved in the tasks.
• what should be recorded as the associated quality record.
A procedure is not equipment specific. It deals with what should be achieved

having satisfied the steps of the procedure. Work instructions are the detailed
‘how to do’descriptions. For example, how to operate a particular instrument
or piece of equipment.
Quality
Totality of characteristics of an entity that bear on its ability to satisfy stated

and implied needs (ISO 8402).
Note: An entity is an item which can be individually described and

considered (ISO 8402).
Quality can be described as the ability of a product to consistently meet its

stated requirements, that the product is fit for its specified purpose. There is
no single or absolute measure of quality although statements about the quality
of a process or item may be based upon physical measurements and
observations, for example ‘quality level’defined below.
Quality Assurance (QA)
All the planned and systematic activities implemented within the quality
system, and demonstrated as needed to provide adequate confidence that an
entity will fulfil requirements for quality (ISO 8402).
Once a method has been proven to produce the required product successfully,
a system is required that can assure the method or methods are followed
correctly each time the process is repeated. This is quality assurance and is
achieved through the use of a Quality System.
All activities and functions which affect the level of quality of a product are of
concern to Quality Assurance.
Quality Level
The extent to which the customers needs have been met. A quality level of
100% means that there has been a complete conformance to specification
every time.
Quality Management
The implementation of Quality Assurance (QA).
Quality Record
Documented evidence of tasks carried out which demonstrate that the

required results have been achieved and providing sufficent links to other
quality records to ensure traceability.
Quality System
The organisational structure, procedures, processes and resources needed to

implement quality management. (ISO 8402)
Standard
The minimum specifications that must be met to fulfill the stated

requirements.
A quality system provides the managment control to assure the required

quality thresholds are achieved. These quality thresholds or specifications
must be pre defined. Hence the need for a ‘standard document’.
Traceability
Ability to trace the history, application or location of an entity by means of

recorded identifications. (ISO 8402)
Validation
Confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that the

particular requirements for a specific intended use are fulfilled. (ISO 8402)
Note: Objective evidence is information which can be proved true, based on

facts obtained through observation, measurement, test or other means (ISO
8402).
Verification
Confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that

specified requirements have been fulfiled. (ISO 8402)
Work instructions
Actual steps to carry out a procedure. These are the details which are
specific, for example, to a particular piece of equipment used in the
production process.
Some steps may seem too obvious to be documented. But these can be items
frequently overlooked due to familiarity to some but not to other personnel.
5.2 QA implementation
Why do we need a Quality Assurance system?
The objective of the WGS 84 Implementation Programme is to produce

coordinate data referenced to a common datum in which a high degree of
confidence can be placed on the accuracy and integrity of the data.
The method used to acquire all the positional data to the required standard
has to address the problems of the size of the task. All the coordinates
produced should be traceable back to their origin along an unbroken trail.
Each point is unique so that quality control checks on a sample would not be
suitable. Considering the large number of points and the geographical spread
it would be impractical to independently check every single point. However,
it is possible to check the method by which the data is aqcuired. This can be
achieved by quality assurance.
QA and WGS 84 Implementation
QA is about preventing errors occurring rather than fixing them. A method

has to be designed that will give the required end product when followed
correctly. To do this it is essential to understand the requirement, if not we
cannot guarantee the product. A Standard needs to be developed, for
example Ref. [6]. The same method must be used each time, i.e. we must be
able to control each step of the operation. This is fine when looking at the
prospect of one survey company working on one type of survey. The extent
of the implementation of WGS 84 will vary for different Administrations and
similarly for the Agency monitoring the overall progress of the programme.
The various tasks involved need to be identified and managed efficiently. This
is done by using a Quality System (QS) or Quality Management System
(QMS). An example of the basic elements of such a system follows:-
• Organization: The management structure. It is very important that

responsibilities for the operation are stated and understood by all
concerned. i.e. everyone knows who does what.
• Planning/Procedures. Identifying the tasks to be done. Developing

procedures necessary for the production process.
• Documentation. Procedures should be written down to enable

consistency of application by different personnel. Documents can be
updated, but under an authorized control procedure. Written quality
records are needed to provide traceability if there is a cause of a problem
to be located.
• Assessment A most important part of any quality system is the method of

assessment used, the audit process. This is what provides the checks that
show whether the procedures are being used correctly, that they are
achieving the required results. It initiates the loop back to make
improvements where necessary. The aim of an assessment is to provide
constructive recommendations for improvement where there are non
conformance's, establish confidence in the methods where there is a

conformance.
• Review. The process of considering the assessment result and imple-

menting any necessary changes through a corrective action procedure.
Fig. 5-1 shows a basic structure of a quality system.
Policy/
Objectives
Organisation
Planning
Audit/
Assessment
Production
Process
Report
Review/
Corrective action
Feedback
Fig. 5-1. QA loop
This is expanded further in the following Fig. 5-2.
O B J E C T IV E S
R E S P O N S IB I L I T I E S
R E M E D IA L
A C T IO N
P L A N N IN G
R E V IE W O F
RESURVEY
E X IS T IN G D A T A
U n s a t isfactory
ASSESSMENT
Conform ance
D a ta t o A I S Fig. 5-2. Model of State

Quality Plan
Fig. 5-2 is an example QMS structure applicable to the QA of the acquisiton

of new data described as follows:-
1. The objective and the responsibilities as set up within the National

Administration.
2. The various planning tasks that are needed, including:-
• the decision as to whether to use existing data or to resurvey.
• the type of survey, geodetic, aerodrome or en route.
• the accuracy requirements.
• the briefing of survey contractors on these requirements, safety

issues and evaluating their suitability before awarding contracts.
3. Having received a completed survey, the assessment process (or

audit).There are two outcomes from the assessment;
I. conformance in which the data can then proceed through to

transport onwards.
II. non conformance where the process flow then should loop back to
the planning via a corrective (or remedial) action procedure.
Safety
A Quality System must take account of safety issues. Involvement in safety

has various legal positions to be considered, and will vary within each
Administration.
However any Quality System needs to encourage safe working practices as

any accident is a reflection on the quality of the service. For example, making
sure that the survey teams are well briefed on the type of survey they are to
do, and on any local procedures that they should be aware of. This is
particularly important where work about airfields is concerned.
Prior to awarding any contracts evaluation of the survey company’s

experience should be considered. Such as, have they conducted any airfield
programmes before. To follow the requirements of a Quality Management
System quality records should be kept, such as a checklist of the briefing of
the survey team. For example, if there is no acknowledgement that the
surveyors have been briefed on the airport safety requirements then they
should not proceed.
Quality Plans
Note that the above QMS has been designed purely for the QA of the origin
of WGS 84 data, largely relying on the acquisition by survey crews. The
scope of this system does not extend to include the management of all the
navigation data processes that may be the responsibility of an AIS
department. However it is possible for this QMS to function as a subsidiary
element within a total QS having a wider scope. The demoted QMS is refered
to as a Quality Plan. For example the QMS described in Fig. 5-2 has been
labelled the State Quality Plan. This plan can be incorporated within an
existing Administration’s quality system or as part of a new one along with
other QP’s such as for managing the onward flow of data via data base
storage and publication. Fig. 5-3 gives an example relationship of such a total
data management system.
System
Boundary
Data Quality
Management System
Queries
State Quality Plan
[for data acquisition] Maintenance
Format and
security External data
Storage/Publication
/Transfer
Data Produced Outside Fig. 5-3. Example of

Data Transfer to Users the System
Quality Plans within a
Various Media
Quality System
Information needed to define data quality
If integrity is to be assured and demonstrable, all coordinates must be

traceable to their source by an unbroken trail. Whilst the CRC will be used by
receivers of data to confirm correct receipt, it is not sufficient to define
quality of data. A record must, therefore, be kept of all changes. A sample set
of data required could be elements of the following:
• Data accuracy
• Origin
• Details of changes made to the data;
• The reason for the change;
• References associated with the change;
• The source of the change;
• The identity of the person making the change
• Date of the change.
Procedures to ensure traceability
The quality records will need to be kept by the organization carrying out the
modification. Whilst an indicator allowing the retrieval of this information will
need to be associated to data transferred to the user organization together
with the CRC, the quality record itself does not need to be sent.
Such records may be electronic or paper-based, although certain change

information must remain with the data item throughout the navigation data
cycle, to provide the unbroken trail and must, wherever possible, be stored in
an associated field or record.
5.3 Integrity
Definition of integrity
The integrity of data can be regarded as the degree of assurance that any data
item retrieved from a storage system has not been corrupted or altered in any
way since the original data entry or its latest authorized amendment. This
integrity must be maintained throughout the data process from survey to
application.
Integrity is expressed in terms of the probability that a data item, retrieved

from a storage system with no evidence of corruption, does not hold the same
value as intended. For example, an integrity of 3 x 10-8 means that an
undetected corruption can be expected in no more than three data items in
every 100 000 000 data items processed.
Loss of integrity does not necessarily mean loss of accuracy. However, it

does mean that it is no longer possible to prove that the data is accurate
without a further verification of the data from the point at which integrity can
be confirmed.
The integrity requirements for data are not absolute. The risk associated with
a point being in error is dependent upon how that data point is being used.
Thus the integrity of a point at threshold used for landing needs a higher
integrity than one used for guidance in cruise.
It is important to note that a lower accuracy does not necessarily imply a

lower integrity requirement.
Requirement for integrity
The use to which a data item is put also forms the basis for determining its A classification of
integrity requirement. A data classification is proposed which defines positional data with
respect to accuracy and
requirements based upon the potential risk resulting from corruption of the integrity can be found
data: in Tab. 2-4
Critical Data: There is a high probability that, as a result of using

corrupted Critical Data, an aircraft would be placed in a life threatening
position.
Essential Data: There is a low probability that, as a result of using

corrupted Essential Data, an aircraft would be placed in a life threatening
position.
Routine Data: There is a very low probability that, as a result of using

corrupted Routine Data, an aircraft would be placed in a life threatening
position.
To each of these types of data an integrity requirement has been assigned as

follows:
Critical: This level is given to the runway data which defines the landing
point. For these data, two levels of criticality have been defined . These have
been related to the approach and landing criteria categories. The levels of
integrity have been derived from the integrity requirements for autoland and
are defined to ensure that the overall process, of which data is only a part, has
the required integrity. Thus:
-8 -10
CAT I : 3 x 10 CAT III : 8 x 10
Essential: This level is assigned to points which, whilst an error can in itself
result in an aircraft being outside of the envelope required, this excursion
does not necessarily result in a catastrophic failure. Examples include en route
-5
navigation aids. The integrity requirement is defined as: 1 x 10
Routine : This level is assigned to data for which errors do not affect the
navigation performance. These include FIR boundaries and obstructions. The
reason why obstruction data can be held with a relatively low level of
integrity is that whilst the latter data needs to be accurate at the time the
procedures are derived, any subsequent corruption should have no impact
on the safety of the aircraft on condition that it conforms to the procedure
-3
requirements. The integrity requirement for routine data is: 1 x 10
Procedures to ensure integrity
The accuracy of data is determined at the point where the data originates. In
the case of surveyed data, the Procedures necessary to ensure accuracy are
being addressed in the WGS 84 Implementation Programme. Declared points
must be declared to the accuracy required by the data model. Procedures for
calculating points must not only be detailed in the Quality Framework and
take account of the accuracy of the source data but must also ensure that
subsequent mathematical manipulation maintains the accuracy set by the data
model requirements.
If data integrity is to be assured, there must be clearly defined Procedures for

all stages of the navigation data process, from the point where the data are
originated to the point where the data are used. Apart from rigorous manual
independent verification, there is little that can be done to ensure the integrity
of data held in a manual system. However, once the data are held on
electronic media, there are a number of options available. When choosing
appropriate methods to protect the integrity of electronically stored data,
consideration must be given to the integrity requirements for the data and the
risk posed to that data.
Manual Data Entry
The transfer of data from written or printed form into the format the data is
stored in a computer, is the greatest potential source of error in the entire
process. If end to end integrity, at the required levels, is to be achieved
careful consideration must be given to the means by which this transfer is to
be performed and verified.
Validation Checks
Validation checks, which can be performed once the data item is held in an
electronic format, will detect many of the errors induced by manual data
entry. It is doubtful though whether integrity can be improved even by one
order of magnitude on the basis of validation checks alone.
Software Aspects
Whenever data are manipulated by a computer program, even if it is simply to

extract an item from a data base and output it onto magnetic media, there is
a risk that, (as a result of software error,) the resultant data item will not be a
true copy of the original. Accordingly, all software used to manipulate data
must be subject to rigorous testing, verification and validation.
In addition to the threat to integrity posed by a software fault, there is a threat

from computer viruses, which may be introduced via executable code in
applications software and utilities. This must also be addressed by
configuration management system.
Data Retention Aspects
Although hardware reliability has improved markedly over the years, there is
still a risk of corruption from component failure or power surge/spike.
Detection of corruption caused by hardware faults can be improved by the
use of validation and verification checks at regular intervals.
Data Transfer Aspects
The risk to data, while being written to or read from magnetic/optical It is normal practice to
storage media, depends upon the devices used and the methods employed in provide this protection
and assurance by the
the packing and handling of the media. Protection is provided by the
use of CRC, see
software controlling the reading from/writing to operation. Chapter 6.2
Data Use Aspects
Consideration must be given as to whether the Procedures for the production

and delivery of data to the airborne Flight Management System (FMS) have
provided the necessary level of integrity when the data are eventually
extracted from the FMS data base for final use. The probability of corruption
after delivery into the FMS will depend upon the design of the FMS itself.
System Environment Aspects
An important reason for not achieving the required timescales for data change
notification could be a failure of a computer system used within the process
of dissemination. The effects of such system failure can only be reduced by
the use of independent, geographically separated back-up systems and regular
archiving.
Chapter 6 Deliverables 38
CHAPTER 6
DELIVERABLES
6 DELIVERABLES
6.1 Survey Reporting Requirements

It is important to know what type of data has been surveyed and to what level
of accuracy and resolution this was done. The classification of data types,
accuracy and resolution was described in chapter 2. In addition to the
production of accurate positional data, the other aim of the programme is to
be able to recall the history of that data. It is the survey report that will
provide the details of the acquisition method used. This is the quality record
that will be used for assessment and future reference.
It is therefore essential that the surveyors record all the necessary information
that will be required. To ensure this a minimum survey report specification
should be given in the Surveying Standard. This way all survey work
undertaken to determine the coordinates of navigation facilities can be
reported in a predefined format. Where existing national reporting practice
differs from that shown in the Surveying Standard the National
Administration may make a case in support of the national standard where
this can be shown to be compatible.
Reference to the Standard should provide the information on those items

which will be considered mandatory in an assessment, and those which should
be available (recommended) but not mandatory.
An advantage in having consistency of report formats will be seen in the

assessment phase. Checklists drawn up based on the Standard format and
cross referenced to the mandatory points would facilitate an efficient audit
process particularly where large numbers of surveys are involved. A further
advantage can also be seen in providing the surveyors with the checklists
prior to operations as a guidance document for the reporting requirement.
6.2 A basic reporting structure

The following description is derived from the reporting format specified in
Ref. [6].
6.2.1 Types of survey
Three types of reporting formats.
• Geodetic
• En Route
• Aerodrome
There is also the case of coordinate data that has been produced by
conversion from an existing data set, which itself should have originated from
one of the above survey types.
6.2.2 Common reporting elements
A number of topics are common to each of the report formats.
• Historical data should describe the general survey information
• its purpose,
• the date,
• the surveyors names and the company.
• Survey method used This is the actual way the survey was carried
out not just a description of the theory behind
the technique used.
• Diagrams Where relevant, diagrams should be included

such as for station descriptions, control net-
works, threshold descriptions.
• QC report. The Quality Control (QC) report should pro-

vide information of the equipment calibrations
carried out. It should also describe the methods
used to check the survey and in particular show
evidence that the required accuracy for the
particular data type has been achieved.
• Observations Records of the actual observations should be

provided in a separate volume. Cross refer-
ences should be made to the survey report.
6.2.3 Aerodrome survey report format example.
The next list shows a complete reporting format specified in Ref. [6] for an
aerodrome survey.
1. A receipt note signed on behalf of the commissioning authority indicating

the date of receipt of the survey and the number of copies of the report.
2. Historical data giving the dates and purpose of the survey, the survey
company names and personnel.
3. Description of the method of the survey.
4. Details of the observations made with cross references to the control

survey.
5. A facility survey plan with cross referenced witness diagrams (where

necessary).
6. Schedule of the points surveyed giving the coordinates and the date when
surveyed.
7. QC report which gives equipment calibration detail, and describes the

methods used to check the survey. In addition evidence should be provided to
show that the accuracy requirements have been met.
8. The actual observations should be provided in a separate volume indexed

so that cross references can be included in the report.
The above list provides the sections headings from which a set of checklists
can be developed. What is useful about the prepared checklists is not only
their application in the audit or assessment process, but that they can be used
in briefing the survey teams on the requirements of the Surveying Standard.
The benefits being consistency for the Administration.
6.3 Formats, Standard Algorithms and Working Practices

This section deals with suggested data formats, standard algorithms and
working practices.
6.3.1 Formats
• Universal Data Delivery Format (UDDF) - Surveying data

• Annex 15 ICAO (AIS data in printed form)
• ARINC 424 (Navigation reference data)
6.3.2 Algorithms
• CRC Algorithm
• DO 201: Waypoint coordinates
• ARINC 424: Path Terminators
6.3.3 UDDF
The UDDF details a digital format that can be used when delivering surveyed
data. It accommodates fields for various aeronautical data including
aerodrome/heliport runway, navigation aid and obstacle, in a standard ASCII
format.
Annex 15 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation details the format

to be used when reporting AIS data in printed form. Standardization of a
transfer format for an Electronic AIP (E-AIP) is currently under
consideration.
ARINC 424 details the format to be used when preparing navigation

reference data tapes/disks for merging with operational FMS software, flight
planning system software and simulator software and can be considered to be
the standard format for electronic transfer of navigation data.
A CRC algorithm ensures integrity to a certain level. DO 201 provides

recommended priorities for defining, and rules for the calculation of waypoint
coordinates.
Fig. 6-1 shows a navigational aid data example for the UDDF format.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
12345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901..
.
|ASR (MFR) | 422306.6000|-1225146.7000| 1310.0| | | |

60 61 62 63 64 65 66
|DME(14) | 422140.0470|-1225201.8010| 1334.0| | | |

|GS(14) | 422242.4910|-1225224.7530| 1297.1| | | |
|GS(14)PP | 422241.0590|-1225229.7230| 1299.7| | 400| 1081|
|LOC(14) | 422140.1380|-1225157.8070| 1318.9| | 998| |
|LMM(14) | 422321.0000|-1225250.6000| | | 3250| |
|LOM(14) | 422703.2000|-1225448.2000| | |27420| | Fig. 6-1. UDDF format
|VORTAC (OED)| 422846.5000|-1225446.7000| 2080.0| | | | for navigational aid
data
The items 1 to 6 are UDDF field descriptions with the following meaning:
1. AIRPORT IDENTIFIER/A6/2-7
2. AIRPORT SITE NUMBER/A10/9-18
3. FAA REGION/A4/20-23
4. SURVEY TYPE/A6/25-30
AOC - AIRPORT OBSTRUCTION CHART SURVEY

EOD - ENGINE OUT DEPARTURE SURVEY
NPA - NONPRECISION AREA NAVIGATION APPROACH SURVEY
PAA - PRECISION AREA NAVIGATION APPROACH SURVEY
SPL - SPECIAL SURVEY
(SPECIFIC SURVEY REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH SURVEY TYPE

CAN BE FOUND IN "FAA No. 405 - STANDARDS FOR
AERONAUTICAL SURVEYS AND RELATED PRODUCTS.")
5. OC NUMBER/I5/32-36
6. OC EDITION/A3/38-40
6.3.4 Data Management
The acquisition of WGS 84 navigation data has involved resurveying of

ground points and/or the conversion of existing data by mathematical
transformation. It is essential that once this work is completed the data and
associated computed/derived points be held in some form of data
management system. Any entry process to such a system must be able to
confirm to users that the data is correct when the entry process is completed
and that it remains so. This means that two issues must be addressed before
any integrity measures can be applied:-
• the data is accurate.

• the data is referenced to the correct location i.e. associated

identifier is present.
When entering data into the data base it will be necessary
• to confirm them against the original survey data
• to enter the data under strict quality control procedures
• to verify entered data.
6.3.5 Validation and Verification of WGS 84 Data
Of primary importance to the WGS 84 project is the point of origin of survey

data. It has been recommended that source data be stored in some form of
database. This can be a master database holding all the navigation coordinate
data or even a source database with records that contain additional
supporting information such as more detailed survey and geodetic
information. How this data should be entered into such a system before
integrity measures have been applied is considered here.
6.3.5.1 Methods
Manual Entry
The transfer of data from written or printed form onto electronic media. The
procedures involved can vary but include one or more of the following:-
• multiple entry by different operators

• repeated entries by the same operator.
• use of automatic (software) comparison methods to check entries
against each other.
Careful consideration must be given to the means by which the transfer from
printed to electronic form is to be performed and verified, if end to end
integrity is to be achieved.
Software
Software methods include the following:-
1. Comparison checks, for example:
• 100 % comparison - between multiple entries.

• data is within specified range limits.
• location is within a valid boundary.
2. Computation of cyclic redundancy check values.
• data has not been corrupted since the CRC was applied.
Whenever electronic data is being manipulated there is the risk of

exposure to computer viruses either directly corrupting data or affecting
the associated software.
Independent derivation.
Validation of data by using a separate derivation method, such as:-
• duplicating survey work. e.g. as a quality check on existing data.

• comparison with existing data by mathematical transformation.
Graphic overlays.
Production of overlay plots that can be compared with master charts.
Test procedures.
Apply data to check or test procedure and evaluate the results.
6.3.5.2 Validation
The activity whereby a data item is checked as having a value which is fully
applicable to the identity ascribed to the data item.
Validation checks provide some assurance that data have been correctly
entered, maintained or transferred and they can assist the checking of the
integrity of the data to a limited degree. However, validation checks cannot
be used to improve the reported data quality. Their primary use is to filter
out gross errors. These checks include:-
• range limit - ensure that data fields which have been accorded
specific ranges of values, do not hold data values outside that range.
• related record/field - ensure that appropriate data are held in related

fields or records. e.g. every survey point needs to be supported by an
identifier, description, latitude, longitude, and height data.
• data item relationship - such as collinearity, elevation and

geographical vicinity checks.
Validation checks are often confused with verification, they are two different
processes. Both are important as they can take place at different points of the
data management operation. Normally, it is better to validate before

verifying, as the latter can be a more time consuming process. It would
therefore be more efficient to eliminate any gross errors prior to verification.
Survey quality checks can be made by comparison with independent

derivation, e.g. existing data may be used where parameters have been
derived to transform existing data from the local datum to the WGS 84
reference system.
Manual data entry methods can be made using software to check operator
entries for correct field format, range limitations, expected geographical
location.
DATA
VALIDATION
APPLY INDEPENDENT OVERLAY

SOFTWARE
DATA DERIVATION
Manual Entry:- Chart compared
embedded checks Use the data Old validated data to validated
for correct field format and check compared to new master by
Geographic:-
Does the data
agreement after overlaying
describe a point within with named transformation
nominated location identity
Must specify: Need: accuracy of Scale needs consider
limits, windows, e.g. check a -ing in specifying
transformation
boundaries procedure validation limits
parameters
6.3.5.3 Verification
The activity whereby the value accorded to a data item is checked against the
source of that value.
Here we have to achieve 100% comparison to the source data. Where

manual data entry is used, software should be used to check consistency of
multiple data entry methods.
Verification is a process for checking the integrity of a data item. It can take
place when data are input into a database, e.g. a visual check of the input
data against the original source document by an independent checker, or an
automatic check of the same data which is entered two or more times by one
or more data entry operators (double, triple entry methods). Recomputation

and confirmation of CRC values is also a form of verification check.
Note that the use of a CRC tool can only be effective in this instance if the
CRCV’s are applied at the point of origin by the data supplier i.e. verification
has taken place at this point. Validating a CRCV only confirms that the data
has not changed since the CRCV was derived and appended.
DATA
VERIFICATION
PROCEDURES * SOFTWARE DUPLICATE

EFFORT
INTEGRITY
Comparison Comparison Independent
MEASURES
of data items of 100% of data check
against to source by redoing CRCV at source
source data. the acquisition enables sub-
Link to source sequent checks
manual multiple database? Another survey? for corruption
data entry
Apply CRC tool
* Software itself needs to be validated
EXAMPLE WGS 84 DATA MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
Source data source

non electronic media
data
on disk
Software
validation
Manual Entry -
Validation- multiple entry
of data?
field ranges procedures
etc
VERIFICATION
SOURCE
DATABASE
VERIFY APPLY CRCV CRC Tool
New data
VALIDATE
derived MASTER
CRCV
from DATABASE Publication
source
data
6.3.5.4 Corrective Action
Any procedures established to validate and verify must also include a

procedure to ensure that where errors are identified these are dealt with by
corrective action i.e.
•ensure that the corrupt data is not stored or passed on.

•investigate the identified problem.
For example:-
DATA
SOURCE
CORRECTIVE VALIDATE
ACTION
?
Fail
OK
Fail VERIFY
?
OK
DATA + CRCV APPLY CRCV

6.4 Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)

The CRC is a mathematical process whereby a sequence of N data bits is
manipulated by an algorithm to produce a block of n bits, known as the CRC,
where n is less than N. A check of the integrity of the data can be performed
by comparing the result of the application of the algorithm with the declared
expected result. A failure of the mathematical routine to regenerate the CRC
value from the data indicates that either the data or the CRC has become
corrupted and the data is therefore no longer reliable. By careful choice of
the algorithm employed, in conjunction with the relative values of n and N, it
can be guaranteed that more than a specified proportion of the original N bits
must be corrupted before there is any possibility of the same resultant n bit
code being produced. For a given CRC formula the ratio between n and N
will determine the integrity level achieved for any data element. Typically, the
highest level of integrity will be achieved for the latitude, longitude and
identifier with a 32 bit CRC.
In summary, the characteristics of a CRC are:
• Better than check sums or parity bits for error detection
• Elements of generating a CRC:
- Data block divided by a generating polynomial
- CRC = Resulting Remainder
- CRC tagged onto the end of the data block
- No errors: Remainder from division should be zero
• Assurance of error detection (see relationship integrity <> CRC length,

Tab. 6-1)
6.4.1 Standard CRCAlgorithms
16 bit
CRC-16 (ANSI) 1 + x2 + x15 + x16
CRC-CCITT 1 + x5 + x12 + x16
32 bit
CRC-(LAN)
1 + x2 + x4 + x5 + x7 + x8 + x10 + x11 + x16 + x23 + x26 + x32

CRC-MLS
1 + x1 + x3 + x4 + x8 + x9 + x13 + x14 + x31 + x32
CRC - 32Q
3 5 7 8 14 16 22 24 31 32
1+x+x +x +x +x +x +x +x +x +x +x
The algorithm providing the CRC must be quality controlled and meet defined
standards requirements. The rules for the application of the CRC are still being
developed. However, in order to ensure the integrity is assured from the start
of the surveys it is proposed to provide a CRC algorithm for use by States. If
this subsequently needs to be modified, a conversion programme will be
provided.
Note that the CRC - CCITT and CRC -32Q algorithms have been suggested
for uniform application by States worldwide. (Ref 7.3.2.5 ICAO WGS 84
Manual First Edition, 1997). Whilst there remains a possibility of this
proposal not forming the final standard, it will be possible to recompute
CRC’s at a later date on condition that the integrity has been assured up to
that point.
6.4.2 Using a CRC for checking the correctness of data
Integrity cannot be added once it is lost. Thus the integrity assurance must be
provided from origination to final application. In this respect the WGS 84
Programme must be responsible for origination of the CRC.
It is therefore proposed that when a data item is entered into electronic

format it will need to be provided with the CRC and thereby provide the
capability for verification on its transfer to the AIS. Then, and at each
subsequent step, the receiver must confirm the data validity to provide
assurance that it has not been corrupted while stored or during transmission.
The insertion into the data base at the start of the process is therefore a
critical point in the process. At this time it will be necessary to:
- confirm the correctness against the original survey data.
- enter data under strict quality control procedures
- execute checks to verify data following entry.
For the CRC to be used for checking the correctness of data, the chosen CRC
must be agreed between the system which produces the CRC and all systems
which wish to receive the data. Furthermore, it must meet the level of
integrity required for the individual data items to be transferred.
This CRC value will need to be associated with the smallest related set of
data. Thus for much of the WGS 84 Implementation programme this smallest
element will be a single point. However a suitable set of data for a CRC
check could be a procedure and ultimately, as the delivered set of data
derived for the FMS which will not be changed, it could be a whole
navigation data base.
6.4.3 Relationship between security and integrity
It is important to note that the CRC process provides integrity, in that it

allows a receiver of ‘wrapped’ data to determine whether there has been any
corruption of the data, or the calculated CRCV, since the data was wrapped.
The CRC process does not provide security for the aeronautical data, in that
it does not prevent the ‘wrapped’ data from becoming corrupted. Within the
context of quality assurance, the CRC process can only detect inadvertent
corruption of aeronautical data. The CRC process is a tool and not a single
quality solution.
Safety is not compromised by a verification failure of a CRCV as procedures

should be in place to ensure such data is removed from the distribution
process.
6.4.4 Computer format differences
Ideally, once formed, the CRC would remain unchanged until its application
in the FMS or RNAV system. However, data formats change during the
process and a CRC is only valid for a particular format of data. For example
data is held in a computer in a format dependant upon word length which is
unlikely to be the same in the data base of the supplier and the RNAV/FMS.
In addition one step of the processing is the conversion to ASCII to meet the
ARINC 424 Format. Thus it will be necessary to recalculate the CRC at
various steps in the management of data. This recalculation of CRC must be
carried out under strict quality control if the CRC is to remain a valid
indication of integrity.
6.4.5 Integrity and CRC length
CRC offers absolute assurance of error detection when there is only a single
period of "burst error" within the stream of data which was subjected to the
CRC, provided that the sub-string containing all affected bits is shorter than
the length of the CRC employed. If the separation of corrupted bits is greater
than the length of the CRC, the probability of an undetected error is the
probability that the same CRC will be produced from both the original and
the corrupted data. Assuming an "even" mapping of valid data strings to
CRC, the probability of undetected error rises to a maximum of 2-n when the
number of bits protected by the CRC is several times the length of the CRC
itself.
Tab. 6-1 gives the length of CRC required to achieve different levels of
assurance of detection of multiple bit error in the data, where there is no
guarantee that the separation of the bits in error is less than the length of the
CRC.
-8
In order to achieve an integrity assurance of 3x10 , it is therefore necessary
to employ a 32 bit CRC.
Tab. 6-1. Integrity and

LENGTHS OF CRC CRC length
INTEGRITY
BITS CHARACTERS
3.9 x 10-3 8 1
-5
1.5 x 10 16 2
-8
6.0 x 10 24 3
-10
2.3 x 10 32 4
6.4.6 Example of CRC generation
The algorithm by which a CRC is produced is defined by a Generating

Polynomial (GP). The GP for an n bit CRC is of order n; the coefficients are
either 0 or 1, with the constraints that the polynomial is primitive and that the
coefficients of x0 and of xn are both 1.
To generate a CRC, a data block is divided by a GP. The resulting

remainder, the CRC, is usually tagged onto the end of the data block. When
the data is subsequently checked, an identical division is performed on the
data although the remainder is now included. If no errors have occurred, the
remainder from this division should be zero.
This can be shown with the following mathematics, carried out using module
2 arithmetic.
Let D = Data, GP = Generator polynomial, Q = Quotient, R = Remainder
(suffixes O and R denote Transmitter and Receiver respectively).
Then: D = QO x GP + RO - for origination
D + R0 = QR x GP + RR - at receiver
Which can be represented as: D = QR x GP + RR + RO
It follows that: QO x GP x RO = QR x GP + RR + RO
Cancel GP and RO to give: QO = QR if RR = 0 (ie no errors)

A CRC can be implemented with simple shift registers and exclusive OR

(XOR) gates. For clarity, the following example is performed manually.
For this example, the data = 11011001, the GP = 11001 and the CRC is 4 bits
long. (One of the pre-requisites for the GP is that it is 1 bit longer than the
CRC). Four zeros are appended to the data (the length of the CRC) and the
data (with the four zeros added) is XORed with the GP. This operation
yields a quotient and a remainder (the CRC).
Generation
An example for the generation of a CRC shows Fig. 6-2. The data =
11011001, the GP = 11001 and the CRC is 4 bits long. One of the pre-
requisites for the GP is that it is 1 bit longer than the CRC. Four zeros are
appended to the data (the length of the CRC) and the data (with the four
zeros added) is XORed with the GP. This operation yields a quotient and a
remainder (the CRC).
1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 QUOTIENT
1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
X O R 1 1 0 0 1
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
1 1 0 0 1
0 1 0 0 0 0
1 1 0 0 1
0 1 0 0 1 0
1 1 0 0 1
0 1 0 1 1 0
1 1 0 0 1
0 1 1 1 1 0
1 1 0 0 1
Fig. 6-2. Data divided
0 0 1 1 1 by GP to generate the
Remainder (CRC) CRC
Validation
The CRC is now appended to the data. When the receiver of the data passes
this string through the same calculation again, there will be a zero remainder
if no errors have occurred (see
Fig. 6-3).
1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1
X O R 1 1 0 0 1
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
1 1 0 0 1
0 1 0 0 0 0
1 1 0 0 1
0 1 0 0 1 1
1 1 0 0 1
0 1 0 1 0 1
1 1 0 0 1
0 1 1 0 0 1
1 1 0 0 1
0 0 0 0 0
Remainder = 0 (no error)
Fig. 6-3. Data with
CRC divided by GP to
establish, whether
corruption has occurred
Receiving data
The CRC is needed to confirm receipt of data without corruption. The CRC,
however, is no indicator of the quality of data. This has to be checked
separately.
Appendices - Background Information 54
Appendices - Background Information

Appendix A The Global Positioning System (GPS) 55
APPENDIX A
THE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM

(GPS)
BASIC CONCEPT
The NAVigation System with Time And Ranging (NAVSTAR) Global

Positioning System (GPS) is an all-weather, space-based navigation system,
which has been designed primarily for the United States Department of
Defense. Developed since 1973, it became fully operational in 1994, allowing
the worldwide and instantaneous determination of a vehicle’s position and
velocity (i.e., navigation) as well as the precise coordination of time.
System Organization
The Global Positioning System is made up of three major segments:
• The Control Segment with ground based equipment for monitoring the
satellites and updating the information they transmit. As its name suggests,
the Operational Control System (OCS), maintains and supports the rest of
the system. It has three main activities - tracking, prediction, and
uploading - and consists of a single Master Control Station (MCS), five
monitor stations, and three ground antennas.
• The Space Segment providing global coverage with four to eight
simultaneously observable satellites above 15° elevation. This is
accomplished by having satellites in six nearly circular orbits with an
altitude of about 20200 km above the earth and a period of approximately
12 hours. The number of operational satellites is 21, (plus three additional
active spares), with an inclination of 55° and with four satellites per plane.
The spare satellites are used to replace a malfunctioning "active" satellite.
• The User Segment, comprising an unlimited number of receivers, which
receive the satellite signals and calculate instantaneous position and other
navigation information.
GPS SATELLITE SIGNAL STRUCTURE
The actual carrier broadcast by the satellite is a spread spectrum signal that
makes it less subject to intentional (or unintentional) jamming. The spread
spectrum technique is commonly used today by such diverse equipment as
hydrographic positioning ranging systems and wireless Local Area Network
(LAN) systems.
The key to the system’s accuracy is the fact that all signal components are
precisely controlled by atomic clocks. The Block II satellites have four on-
board time standards - two rubidium and two cesium clocks. These highly
accurate frequency standards being the heart of GPS satellites produce the
fundamental L-band frequency of 10.23 MHz. Coherently derived from this
fundamental frequency are two signals, the L1 and the L2 carrier waves
generated by multiplying the fundamental frequency by 154 and 120,
respectively, thus yielding
L1 = 1575.42 MHz (19 cm) L2 = 1227.60 MHz (24 cm)
These dual frequencies are essential for the elimination of the major source of
error, i.e., ionospheric refraction. The pseudoranges that are derived from
measured travel time of the signal from each satellite to the receiver use two
pseudo-random noise (PRN) codes that are modulated (superimposed) onto
the two base carrier waves.
The first code is the C/A-code (Coarse/Acquisition-code), also designated as

the Standard Positioning Service (SPS), which is available for civilian use.
The C/A-code with an effective wavelength of 293.1 m is modulated only on
L1 and is purposely omitted from L2.
The second code is the P-code (Precision-code), also designated as the

Precise Positioning Service (PPS), which has been reserved for use by the
U.S. military and other authorized users. The P-code with an effective
wavelength of 29.31m is modulated on both carriers L1 and L2.
GPS SATELLITE MESSAGE
In addition to the PRN codes a data message is modulated onto the carriers
consisting of:
• satellite ephemerides,
• ionospheric modelling coefficients,
• status information,
• system time and satellite clock bias, and
• drift information.
The total message consisting of 1500 bits is transmitted in 30 seconds with a

data rate of 50 Bit/sec. This message is subdivided into 5 subframes. One
subframe is transmitted in 6 seconds and contains 10 words with 30 bits.
PSEUDORANGE AND CARRIER PHASE MEASUREMENTS
The following Fig. A-1 shows pseudorange and carrier phase measurements.
Comparing the transmitted code from the satellite with a replica of it
generated by the receiver results in the measurement of a time shift ∆t called
also pseudorange. Multiplying it by the velocity of light c (plus various
corrections) results in a user-to-satellite distance.
The carrier of the signal emitted by the satellite is received (doppler-shifted) Fig. A-1. Pseudorange
by the receiver and compared with a generated carrier. The phase difference and carrier phase
measurement
between both is the so-called carrier phase measurement.
This measurement is a subdivision of a wavelength of the signal and the

integer number of additional cycles, making up the remainder of the distance,
is unknown. The integer cycle count is not observed but counted by the
receiver. Every loss of lock leads to a loss of the number of cycles and
produces a so-called cycle slip. Thus, since the initial value of n (and the one
after a cycle slip) is unknown, phase measurements are ambiguous: This
ambiguity (= integer number of cycles) has to be determined in the
processing.
SYSTEM ASSURANCE TECHNIQUES
There are basically two methods for denying civilian users full use of the GPS
system.
Selective Availability (S/A)
Primarily, this kind of denial has been accomplished by "dithering" the

satellite clock frequency in a way that prevents civilian users from accurately
measuring instantaneous pseudoranges (Dither-Process). This form of
accuracy denial mainly affects single-receiver operations. When pseudoranges
are differenced between two receivers, the dithering effect is largely
eliminated, so that this navigation mode, proposed for example by the U.S.
Coast Guard, will remain unaffected. The S/A has only been implemented in
Block II satellites and has been in force intermittently since April 1990 at
various levels of accuracy denial.
The second method of accuracy denial is to truncate the transmitted

navigation message so that the coordinates of the satellites cannot be
accurately computed (Epsilon-Process). The error in satellite positions

roughly translate to similar size position errors in the receiver.
Anti-Spoofing (A-S)
The design of the GPS system includes the ability to essentially "turn off" the
P-code or invoke an encrypted code (Y-code) as a means of denying access
to the P-code to all but authorized users. The rationale for doing this is to
keep adversaries from sending out false signals with the GPS signature to
create confusion and cause users to misposition themselves. Access to the P-
code is only possible by installing on each receiver channel an Auxiliary
Output Chip (AOC) which is available only on an authorized basis. A-S
affects many of the high accuracy survey uses of the system.
GPS ABSOLUTE POSITIONING
Fig. A-2 shows that if a 3-D position is to be determined four pseudorange

measurements to different satellites have to be measured.
Fig. A-2. Principle of

GPS absolute
positioning
The extra measurement is to determine the clock offset between the very
precise caesium clock of the satellite and the non-precise quartz clock of the
receiver.
The following system of equations with four unknowns has to be solved:
( x1 - x )2 + ( y1 - y )2 + ( z1 - z )2 + dT = ( PR1 )2 (A-1)
( x2 - x )2 + ( y2 - y )2 + ( z2 - z )2 + dT = ( PR2 )2 (A-2)
( x3 - x )2 + ( y3 - y )2 + ( z3 - z )2 + dT = ( PR3 )2 (A-3)
( x4 - x )2 + ( y4 - y )2 + ( z4 - z )2 + dT = ( PR4 )2 (A-4)
GPS Single Point Absolute Positioning Accuracy
The civilian C/A code delivers a horizontal accuracy of 100 m (2dRMS) if

S/A is on and 40 m (2dRMS) if S/A is off. Vertical coordinates may be worse
by a factor of two to three, because of satellite-user geometry. Single point
positioning can be done in static as well as in kinematic (roving) mode.
It is interesting to note that the accuracies of the Russian satellite system

GLONASS are in the same range as GPS but to our knowledge there is no
S/A type implementation on GLONASS.
POSITION ERRORS OF GPS
The following error sources of single point positioning are possible:
• Satellite orbit
• Satellite clock
• Satellite code: Selective Availability (S/A)
• Receiver: Resolution of the observation
• Receiver: Observation noise
• Antenna: Multipath effect
• Atmospheric refraction (ionosphere, troposphere)
DIFFERENTIAL GPS SURVEYING
The elimination of the various errors of single point positioning can be

achieved by forming ‘differences’ between observations. The positioning of a
static or roving user, relative to a fixed reference station with known WGS 84
coordinates, is called Differential GPS Positioning. Such a reference station
can be used for an infinitely large number of users around it, say in a radius of
up to 100 km. The three-dimensional relative baseline vector, between the
reference station and the user station, results from processing using GPS
analysis software. Processing can be done in baseline or network mode.
Differential Tab. A-1. Observation

C/A Code Receiver noise and error
Position Error propagation
Observations Noise
( PDOP = 3 )
Pseudorange 0.2 . . . 5 m 0.6 . . . 15 m
Carrier Phase 0.2 . . . 2 mm 0.6 . . . 6 mm
Tab. A-1 shows the receiver noise and the theoretically expected differential
position error when assuming a favourable satellite geometry (PDOP = 3;
PDOP is a measure of satellite geometry: the smaller the number the better).
CHOICE OF GPS SURVEYING TECHNIQUE
Depending on the desired coordinate accuracies, one can choose between the
following processing techniques:
Metre- and sub-metre accuracies:
Differential Phase-Smoothed Pseudorange Processing. Here the receiver

costs are moderate (< 10 000 US $). Real-time surveying seems to be more
robust than using pure phase measurements.
Centimetre accuracies:
Carrier Phase Based Approach. The necessary equipment and analysis

software has a significantly higher price, mainly also due to the use of dual
frequency receivers. Different observation strategies are possible: Static, rapid
or fast static, pseudo-kinematic, stop-and-go, semi-kinematic and kinematic
mode. These are explained in Tab. A-2.
GPS Surveying Modes and Accuracy
Tab. A-2 shows the various GPS surveying techniques and the corresponding
resulting baseline accuracies.
Tab. A-2. GPS

Mode Characteristics Accuracy surveying modes and
accuracy
Long observation time (hrs ... days)
Static ±0.1mm ... ± 1ppm
Long baselines (say > 100 km)
Rapid Static Short observation time (5...30 min )

Short baselines (say < 10 km) ± ( 5 mm + 1ppm )
Fast Static
Dual frequency receivers preferable
Short observation time

Pseudo-
(few minutes) ± ( 5mm + 1ppm )
Kinematic
Reoccupations of stations necessary
Short observation time

Stop And Go
(few minutes) ± ( 5mm ± 1ppm )
Semi-
Maintain lock between stations
Kinematic
Kinematic No stopping required ±(1...5cm ± 1ppm)

Sophisticated software needed
Differential GPS Real-Time Positioning
Quite recently (mid-1994) differential GPS real-time surveying has been

offered by several companies. The real-time aspect came about, not because
of any necessity for immediate results, but in order to carry out a quality
control in the field.
Fig. A-3. Differential

GPS real-time
positioning
Fig. A-3 demonstrates the principle of Differential GPS Real-Time

Positioning:
• Positioning of a ( roving ) user relative to a reference station with

known coordinates
• Determination of GPS PCP (Pseudorange and/or Carrier Phase)
corrections at the reference station
• Transmission of the corrections to the mobile user by telemetry
• Quality and error control by monitor stations
DIFFERENTIAL CORRECTIONS
Three types of corrections sent out by the reference station are possible:
• Position or pseudorange corrections

• Carrier-Smoothed Pseudorange Corrections
• Carrier Phase Corrections.
Differential Pseudorange Corrections
A Differential Pseudorange Correction is the difference between observed and

calculated (from known reference station coordinates and transmitted satellite
ephemerides) pseudorange at the reference station.
The advantage over formerly used position corrections is that biases due to
different satellite tracking scenarios at reference and user stations are
avoided.
Possible real-time surveying accuracy: 3 ... 6 m
Differential Carrier-Smoothed Pseudorange Corrections
The principle is the same as for the differential pseudorange corrections, but
now the carrier phases are used to smooth the pseudoranges in a filter. This
results in higher positioning accuracies and antenna multipath is eliminated to
a large extent. No repair of cycle slips is necessary, only the necessity to
detect them.
Possible real-time surveying accuracy: 0.6 ... 2 m
Differential Carrier Phase Corrections
Calculation and transmission of the corrections at known reference station.

This is a new development with the following characteristics.
Advantages: - Navigation in the centimetre range

- Smaller amount of telemetry data compared to raw data
- Reduction of time sensitivity
- Reduced computational burden for roving user
Disadvantages: - Necessity: Carrier phase ambiguity resolution on-the-fly

- Dependence of the user with respect to the integrity and
reliability of the calculation at the reference station
- Error detection is more difficult
Possible real-time surveying accuracy: 1 ... 5 cm
ACCURACY OF GPS
The following Fig. A-4 shows the GPS (absolute) and DGPS (relative)
navigation and surveying accuracies achievable along with corresponding
statistical distributions.
Fig. A-4. Accuracy of

GPS
GPS DIFFERENTIAL POSITIONING TECHNIQUES
GPS differential positioning techniques have the following advantages and

disadvantages:
• No line of sight between target (user station) and the reference

station required; however, line of sight to at least four satellites is
needed.
• GPS provides an all-weather 24 hour positioning capability.
• Various levels of accuracies are possible, depending on the available
hardware and software.
• GPS is easy to use.
• Since certain signal obstruction by buildings, trees, etc. may occur, a
certain amount of conventional surveying must be still be carried
out.
• Only ellipsoid height differences can be determined by DGPS. In
order to get orthometric heights one has to use a geoid model of
appropriate accuracy.
Appendix B Principles of Geodesy 64
APPENDIX B
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESY
DEFINITION OF GEODESY
Geodesy is the science concerned with the study of the shape and
size of the earth in the geometric sense as well as with the form
of the equipotential surfaces of the gravity potential.
Friedrich R. Helmert (1880)
This definition refers to Friedrich R. Helmert [8], one of the main founders of
geodesy of the 19th century.
The following second definition represents a more up-to-date description of

geodesy given by the Committee on Geodesy of the U. S. National Academy
of Sciences in 1978.
• Establishment and maintenance of national and global three-

dimensional geodetic networks
• Measurement and analyses of geodynamic phenomena (earth
rotation, earth tides, crustal movements, etc.)
• Determination of the earth's gravity field
- Items 1-3 include also changes with time
U.S. National Academy of Sciences

Committee on Geodesy (1978)
The time-related monitoring aspect of coordinates and the gravity field is

completely new.
Why has geodesy to deal with the gravity field ?
First of all, every geodetic measurement is a function of the gravity field

(Example: by putting an instrument into the horizontal plane (by using spirit
bubbles), it aligns its vertical axis with the local plumb line (local gravity
vector) which, unfortunately, may vary from point to point.
More on height
Secondly, in defining heights we have to use an equipotential surface of definitions at the end of
the gravity field as vertical reference (Where does water flow ?). this Appendix
FIGURE OF THE EARTH AND REFERENCE SURFACES
The figure of the earth was approximated first by a sphere and later by an
ellipsoid. Whereas these approximations are of geometrical character, the
geoid represents a dynamical reference surface, a certain equipotential surface
of the earth´s gravity field.
The Earth as a Sphere
Various opinions on the form of the earth prevailed in the past, e. g., the
notion of an earth disk encircled by Oceanus (Homer´s Illiad, ~ 800 BC).
Pythagoras ( ~ 580-500 BC) and his school as well as Aristotle (384-322 BC)
among others expressed themselves for the spherical shape.
The founder of scientific geodesy was Eratosthenes (276-195 BC.) of Fig. B-1. The Earth as
Alexandria who, assuming the earth was spherical, deduced from a sphere, derived from
measurements a radius for the earth with an uncertainty of 2% (left hand side arc measurements
of Fig. B-1).
The principle of arc measurements developed by him was still applied in

modern ages: From geodetic measurements the length ∆G of a meridian arc
can be determined. Astronomical observations furnish the associated central
angle γ. The radius of the earth is then given by R = ∆G/γ.
The arc measurements in middle ages were characterized by fundamental

advances in instrumentation technology. Arc measurements and early
triangulations are shown on the world map of Fig. B-1.
The Earth as an Ellipsoid
Towards the end of the seventeenth century, Newton demonstrated that the
concept of a truly spherical earth was inadequate as an explanation of the
equilibrium of the ocean surface. He argued that because the earth is a
rotating planet, the forces created by its own rotation would tend to force any
liquids on the surface to the equator. He showed, by means of a simple
theoretical model, that hydrostatic equilibrium would be maintained if the
equatorial axis of the earth were longer than the polar axis. This is equivalent
to the statement that the body is flattened towards the poles.
Flattening is defined by
f = (a - b)/a (B-1)
where a is the semimajor, and b is the semiminor axis of the ellipsoid.
Fig. B-2. Local

ellipsoids are best-fitted
to the specific country
In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, ellipsoids were defined which were
fitted best to a certain region of the earth (Fig. B-2). These local ellipsoids
still provide the geometrical reference for the horizontal coordinates of
various national geodetic (triangulation) networks.
Tab. B-1 shows examples of the ellipsoidal parameters of various ellipsoids.

Note that the East Europeans (former Soviet Union) based their horizontal
coordinates on a triaxial ellipsoid (Krassowsky).
THE EARTH AS A GEOID
Laplace (1802), Gauss (1828), Bessel (1837) and others had already
recognized that the assumption of an ellipsoidal earth model was not tenable
when compared against high accuracy observations. One could no longer
ignore the deflection of the physical plumb line, to which measurements refer,
from the ellipsoidal normal (deviation of the vertical, see
Fig. B-3). By an adjustment of several arc measurements for the

determination of the ellipsoidal parameters a and f, contradictions arose which
exceeded by far the observational accuracy.
Geoid
Fig. B-3. The Earth as
Mean sea undulation a geoid
surface (geoid) Geoid
n E llip
ea soid
Oc
Perpendicular
to ellipsoid Perpendicular to
geoid (plumbline)
Deviation of
the vertical
The equipotential surface of the earth's gravity field which would

coincide with the ocean surface, if the earth were undisturbed
and without topography. Listing (1873)
Listing (1873) had given the name ‘geoid’, Helmert (1880,1884) made the
transition to the current concept of the figure of the earth. Here the
deflections of the vertical are also taken into account in the computation of
the ellipsoidal parameters.
The determination of the geoid has been, for the last hundred years, a major
goal of geodesy. Its importance increased recently by the new concept of
replacing the measurements of spirit levelling by GPS space observations and
the use of precise geoid heights. Other global considerations require a unified
vertical reference, i.e. a geoid determination with centimetre or even
millimetre accuracy. This remains a challenge for geodesy in the coming
years.
There are difficulties in defining a geoid: Sea-surface topography, sea-level

rise (melting of the polar ice caps), density changes (earthquakes, etc.), ...
COORDINATE SYSTEMS AND REFERENCE ELLIPSOIDS
The Geodetic Glossary [7] gives the following general geodetic definitions:
Coordinate
One of a set of N numbers designating the location of a point in N-
dimensional space
Coordinate system
A set of rules for specifying how coordinates are to be assigned to points
→ origin, set of axes
Type of coordinate system

- Local
- Geocentric, earth-fixed
- Cartesian / Ellipsoidal
Local Coordinate System
In the past, national survey departments computed ellipsoids best-fitted to

their country to provide the basis for mapping. Origin and orientation of
coordinate system is arbitrary, but often “the ball under the cross on top of
the tower of a specific church” served as the zero-point (or origin) of a
national coordinate system (Example: Soldner´s coordinate system in Bavaria
with the Munich cathedral "Liebfrauendom" as origin.). The national
ellipsoids are the geometric reference surfaces only for horizontal
coordinates.
Geocentric Earth-Fixed Cartesian System (X, Y, Z)
As a fundamental terrestrial coordinate system, one introduces an earth-fixed

spatial Cartesian system (X, Y, Z) whose origin is the earth´s centre of mass
S (geocentre, centre of mass including the mass of the atmosphere, see Fig.
B-4. Earth-fixed spatial Cartesian system (X, Y, Z)). The Z-axis coincides
with the mean rotational axis of the earth (Polar motion, CIO Pole).
P (X, Y, Z)
Mean meridian
Mean rotational axis
plane of
Greenwich
P (X, Y, Z)
Greenwich
r
S
Fig. B-4. Earth-fixed
Mean equatorial plane spatial Cartesian
system (X, Y, Z)
The mean equatorial plane perpendicular to this axis forms the (X-Y) plane.
The (X-Z) plane is generated by the mean meridian plane of Greenwich. The
latter is defined by the mean rotational axis and the zero meridian of the BIH
(Bureau International de l´Heure) adopted longitudes ("mean" observatory of
Greenwich). The Y-axis is directed so as to obtain a right handed system. The
introduction of a mean rotational axis is necessary because in the course of
time, the rotation changes with respect to the earth´s body. This applies to the
position of the earth´s rotation axis (polar motion) and to the angular velocity
of the rotation.
Ellipsoidal Geographic Coordinates
As Fig. B-5 shows, the earth´s surface may be closely approximated by a

rotational ellipsoid with flattened poles (height deviation from the geoid <
100 m). As a result geometrically defined ellipsoidal systems are frequently
used instead of the spatial Cartesian coordinate system.
Z
N
λ= λP
p
φ= φ
P P
0 Y
φP
λP
φ =0
Fig. B-5. Ellipsoidal

X S geographic coordinates
The rotational ellipsoid is created by rotating the meridian ellipse about its
minor axis. The shape of the ellipsoid is therefore described by two geometric
parameters, the semimajor axis a and the semiminor axis b. Generally, b is
replaced by a smaller parameter which is more suitable: the (geometrical)
flattening f.
f = (a - b)/a (B-2)
Further definitions:
• Origin
Earth´s centre of mass
• Geographic (geodetic) latitude φ

Angle measured in the meridian plane between the equatorial (x, y)-plane
and the surface normal at P
• Geographic (geodetic) longitude λ

Angle measured in the equatorial plane between the zero meridian (X-axis)
and the meridian plane of P
Spatial Ellipsoidal Coordinate System
For the spatial determination of points on the physical surface of the earth (or
in space) with respect to the rotational ellipsoid, the height h above the
ellipsoid is introduced in addition to the geographic coordinates φ, λ. The
ellipsoidal height ‘h’is measured along the surface normal (Fig. B-6).
P (φ, λ, h; a, f) Z
P (X, Y, Z)
rQ h
r
0 n
Y
φ
λ
Fig. B-6. Spatial
X Q (XQ, YQ, ZQ) ellipsoidal coordinate
system
The spatial ellipsoidal coordinates φ, λ, h are designated as geodetic

coordinates. The point Q on the ellipsoid is obtained by projecting the surface
(or space) point P along the ellipsoidal normal. A point in space is defined by
(φ,λ,h) and the shape of the ellipsoid (a, f).
A standard earth model as a geodetic reference body should guarantee a good

fit to the earth´s surface and to the external gravity field; but also, it should
possess a simple principle of formation.
In this respect, the rotational ellipsoid, already introduced as a geometric

reference surface, is well suited. In addition to the semimajor axis a and the
flattening f as geometric parameters, the total mass M and the rotational
angular velocity ω as physical parameters are introduced. The gravity field is
then formed as a result of gravitation and rotation.
If we now require the surface of this ellipsoid to be a level surface of its own
gravity field then, according to Stokes Theorem, the gravity field is uniquely
defined in the space exterior to this surface. This body is known as a level (or
equipotential) ellipsoid. Additionally, the geocentric gravitational constant
GM and the dynamic flattening C 2,0 (2nd order zonal harmonic of an earth
gravity model) are given. If the ellipsoidal parameters are given those values
which correspond to the real earth, then this yields the optimum
approximation to the geometry of the geoid and to the external gravity field:
mean earth ellipsoid.
Tab. B-1 lists the reference ellipsoids and their constants (a,f) associated with
local geodetic datums which are tied to WGS 84 through datum
transformation constants and/or multiple regression equations.
REFERENCE ELLIPSOID ID a (m), f -1, Tab. B-1. Reference

NAME CODE ∆a (m) ellipsoid names and
∆f x 10-4 constants
Airy 1830 AA 6377563.396, 299.3249646, (WGS 84 minus local
573.604 0.11960023 geodetic datum).
See Ref. [4] for more
Australian National AN 6378160, 298.25,
detail
-23 -0.0001204237 *: As accepted by DMA
Bessel 1841 **: Through adoption
Ethiopia,Indonesia,Japan,Korea BR 6377397.155, 299.1528128, of a new yard to meter
conversion factor in the
739.845 0.1003748283 reference country.
Namibia BN 6377483.865, 299.1528128, Source: Ref. [4]
653.135 0.1003748283
Clarke 1866 CC 6378206.4, 294.9786982,
-69.4 -0.3726463909
Clarke 1880 * CD 6378249.145, 293.465,
-112.145 -0.547507137
Everest
Brunei and E. Malaysia EB 6377298.556, 300.8017,
(Sabah and Sarawak) 838.444 0.2836136834
India 1830 EA 6377276.345, 300.8017,
860.655 0.2836136834
India 1956 ** EC 6377301.243, 300.8017,
835.757 0.2836136834
W. Malaysia and Singapore EE 6377304.063, 300.8017,
1948 832.937 0.2836136834
W. Malaysia 1969 ** ED 6377295.664, 300.8017,
841.336 0.2836136834
Geodetic Reference System RF 6378137, 298.257222101,
1980 0 -1.6193 x 10-7
Helmert 1906 HE 6378200, 298.3,
-63 0.004807957
Hough 1960 HO 6378270, 297,
-133 -0.14192702
International 1924 (Hayford) IN 6378388, 297,
-251 -0.14192702
Krassovsky 1940 KA 6378245, 298.3,
-108 0.004807957
Modified Fischer 1960 FA 6378155, 298.3,
-18 0.004807957
South American 1969 SA 6378160, 298.25,
-23 -0.000812042
WGS 1972 WD 6378135, 298.26,
2 0.000312108
WGS 1984 WE 6378137, 298.257223563,
0 0
GEODETIC DATUM
Definitions
The terminology required to describe the geodetic datum problem is rather

complex and has developed over more than 100 years. In order to avoid
confusion and misunderstanding care will be taken to use the various terms
precisely.
The following definitions are adopted by the international geodetic

community:
Geodetic reference system (GRS)
• Conceptual idea of an earth-fixed Cartesian system (X, Y, Z)
Geodetic reference frame
• Practical realization of a geodetic reference system by observations
It is important to make a difference between a reference system and a

reference frame.
A reference system is the conceptual idea of a particular coordinate system;

(theoretical definition).
A reference frame is the practical realization of a reference system by

observations and measurements (which have errors). In practical surveying
we are only concerned with reference frames, but the underlying concepts of
a specific reference frame are of fundamental importance.
Global GRS
• Origin: Earth´s centre of mass
• Z-axis: Coincides with mean rotational axis of Earth
• X-axis: Mean meridian plane of Greenwich and ± to Z-axis
• Y-axis: Orthogonal
Local GRS
• Origin and orientation of axes is "arbitrary"
Geodetic datum
• Minimum set of parameters required to define location and orientation of

the local system with respect to the global reference system/frame
Furthermore, it is important to distinguish between global and local reference

frames. Looking at the entire set of possible reference frames located in the
body of the Earth there is only one truly global reference system. The origin
of a global reference system coincides with the centre of the Earth, the Z-axis
should coincide with the mean rotational axis of Earth and the X-axis is
contained in the mean meridian plane of Greenwich and is perpendicular to
the Z-axis. The Y-axis is orthogonal to both the X- and Z-axis (right hand
system).
A geodetic datum is expressed in terms of the set of transformation

parameters which are required to define the location and orientation of the
local frame with respect to the global one.
Note: The term “datum” is often used when one actually means “reference
frame”.
What is a Geodetic Datum ?
We have to distinguish between a Cartesian datum and an ellipsoidal datum.
A Cartesian datum is defined by a set of:
• 3 shifts: ∆X, ∆Y, ∆Z
• 3 rotations: α,β,γ
• A scale factor parameter: µ
These 7 parameters are needed to relate two Cartesian 3-d reference frames.
Because the Earth is a curved surface, approximated by an ellipsoid,

navigators usually work in geographical coordinates (latitude, longitude). In
order to define geographical coordinates the shape of the so called reference
ellipsoid has also to be considered. The shape of an ellipsoid is defined by its
semi-major and semi-minor axes, i.e. two additional parameters are required.
These two additional parameters constitute the difference between a
Cartesian and an ellipsoidal datum. Thus, an ellipsoidal datum is defined by 9
transformation parameters.
Rule of thumb:
Ellipsoidal Datum = Cartesian Datum + Shape of Earth Ellipsoid
TRANSFORMATIONS
A geodetic datum transformation is a mathematical rule used to transform

surveyed coordinates given in a Reference Frame 1 into coordinates given in
Reference Frame 2. The mathematical rule is a function of the set of
necessary datum transformation parameters.
The nine parameters
• translation of the origin ∆X, ∆Y, ∆Z,
• rotation angles εx, εy, εz,
• Scale factor µ,
• change in ellipsoidal semimajor axis ∆a and flattening ∆f
define the location and orientation of a (local) coordinate system with respect
to a global reference frame.
These parameters are needed for a computational coordinate transformation More on Helmert’s
Formula in Appendix E
using Helmert’s formula.
THE HEIGHT PROBLEM
What is a "Height"
Usually, the implicit imagination behind the term "height" is the answer to the
question: Where does water flow?
Physically, we consider a lake where water is in rest as a surface of equal

heights. More specific, it is an earth´s gravity potential surface. Moving on
such a surface means no work is carried out, no forces are acting on it. Thus,
the definition of a height with such a physical meaning cannot be defined
geometrically nor can the reference surface (zero surface) be the ellipsoid´s
geometrical surface.
Geodetic Networks
The application of differential GPS satellite observations delivers
• Horizontal WGS 84 coordinates: ellipsoidal latitude φand longitude λ,
• Vertical WGS 84 coordinates: ellipsoidal height h.
The ellipsoidal height does not have a physical meaning; it is a geometric

quantity which does not indicate a level surface (i.e. it does not indicate the
direction of flow of water).
Geodetic networks consist, in general, of geometrically defined and referred

ellipsoidal latitude and longitude, whereas national heights refer to the geoid
("mean sea level") as zero surface.
The Geoid as Reference Surface for Heights
The geoid can be considered as an idealized ocean extending under the

continents (Fig. B-7). It is a particular equipotential gravity surface of the
earth coinciding with approximately two thirds of the worlds surface. There is
only one geoid.
Tide Gauge
(MSL) H
Ocean h Geoid
N
Ellipsoid Fig. B-7. The geoid as
reference surface for
heights
The geoid is realized in practice by observing "mean sea level" (MSL) at tide
gauges at the coasts over a certain time period. However, there are certain
complications brought about by wind, salinity, currents, etc. producing
deviations from the geoid of up to 2 m ("sea surface topography"). This
means, that the zero point, and consequently the heights, of different national
networks may differ by similar magnitudes.
Heights above the geoid are called "orthometric heights H". The relation
between an ellipsoidal height h and H is given by
H=h-N (B-3)
where N is the geoid height.
Vertical Datum Problem
WGS 84 is a 3-dimensional reference frame coordinated in X, Y, Z or in φ,λ

,h. The parameter h is the (geometric) height above the WGS 84 ellipsoid.
In aviation, heights (flight level) are defined by atmospheric pressure. All

aircraft are therefore equipped with baro-altimeters. For this reason the ICAO
approach has been to initially use only WGS 84 geographical coordinates (φ,
λ) and to exclude the geometric height (h) from consideration. However,
because ICAO is considering the technical issues, surveyors are advised to
measure and report the heights of navigation facilities, if the necessary field
work and computation can be incorporated with any re-surveys of plan
positions.
One has to be very careful when dealing with heights. The differences
between the different zero points of national vertical networks may vary up to
3 m!
Presently, there is world-wide effort to come up with an unified height

system. It is hoped that this zero surface (namely the geoid) can be
determined world-wide to an accuracy < 20 cm by using satellite altimetry.
The following Table shows vertical datum differences.
Vertical Datum Differences

Tab. B-2. Reference
Country/Reference Surface Difference to geoid surface differences with
respect to the geoid
Australia : Mainland - 68 Units: cm
Tasmania - 98
England - 87
U.S.: NGVD 29 - 26
NAVD 88 - 72
NAVD 88, East - 38
Germany 4
Source: Rapp (1994)
Appendix C The International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) 77
APPENDIX C
THE INTERNATIONAL TERRESTRIAL

REFERENCE SYSTEM (ITRS)
DEFINITIONS
The most precise geodetic measuring techniques for long base-lines are at
present Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and Very Long Base-Line
Interferometry (VLBI). Both techniques guarantee a precision of 1-3 cm
over distances up to about 5000 km. Global networks of up to 70 SLR- and
up to 81 VLBI-stations are observing continuously, respectively were
observed for limited periods. Since 1987 a new International Earth Rotation
Service (IERS) is operating making use of SLR- and VLBI-results
predominantly and producing every year a new global set of x, y, z-
coordinates by combining various SLR- and VLBI-solutions [14].
The precise satellite laser ranging technique has led to a precise worldwide
terrestrial coordinates system, called the International Terrestrial Reference
System (ITRS). The ITRS is maintained by the IERS and the realization of
the ITRS is the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF).
Plate tectonic movement was incorporated in that coordinate system using

results of recent measurements and a global geophysical model. Thus, it is a
model with changing coordinates due to movements of tectonic plates on
which the ground stations are located. However, this reference system
provides the fundamental position of the Earth to within 10 cm and the
orientation of the axes to correspondingly high accuracies. Since 1988, the
IERS has defined the mean spin axis, the IERS Reference Pole (IRP) and the
zero meridian and the IERS Reference Meridian (IRM).
The maintenance of a datum at this level of accuracy requires constant

monitoring of the rotation of the Earth, the motion of the pole and the
movement of the plates of the crust of the Earth, on which the ground
stations are located. The current definition of ITRF is known as ITRF 89,
which means the computation of the ITRF coordinates at epoch 1989.0.
Appendix D The European Terrestrial Reference Frame (ETRF) 78
APPENDIX D
THE EUROPEAN TERRESTRIAL

REFERENCE FRAME (ETRF)
HISTORY
Bearing in mind the necessity for a new very precise European Geodetic
Reference System - called EUREF -, the International Association of
Geodesy (IAG) decided in August 1987 to establish a new Sub-Commission
to solve this task. One month later CERCO (Comité Européen des
Responsables de la Cartographie Officielle) decided to establish a new
Working Group VIII on GPS which was appointed to draw practical
consequences resulting from the capabilities of GPS as a high precision
positioning system for surveying and mapping. In October 1988 both bodies
agreed that the definition and realization of a new European Reference
System should be delt with as a common activity [14].
ETRF-89
Due to the fact that the combined SLR/VLBI-network is of highest For SLR/VLBI and
achievable accuracy and by far the best global realization, the two European ITRS see Appendix C
bodies decided to establish EUREF to be based on ITRS. Therefore 35
European SLR- and VLBI-positions being part of the ITRF-solution
computed for 1989.0 were selected as the basic set of coordinates defining
the realization of EUREF: ETRF, the European Terrestrial Reference
Frame. So ETRF is a subset of the global solution ITRF at epoch 1989.0.
Since the number of SLR- and VLBI-stations on the different national

territories is by far not large enough, it was decided to use the precise
differential GPS satellite technique to interpolate between those stations and
to densify the network in Europe (EUREF Campaigns, started in 1989). This
coordinate frame is now called ETRF-89.
Although ETRF-89 uses the GRS 80 ellipsoid it is identical, to the WGS 84

ellipsoid at the millimetre level.
Fig. D-1 shows the countries where, until the date above, EUREF campaigns
were carried out to establish precise ETRF-89 coordinates (using GPS).
Appendix D The European Terrestrial Reference Frame (ETRF) 79
1989
1991
1992
1994
Fig. D-1. Status

ETRF-89/EUREF
-01 Jan 1995-
Source: Seeger (IfAG, Frankfurt)

Appendix E Datum Transformation Formulas 80
APPENDIX E
DATUM TRANSFORMATION FORMULAS
The general task of a datum transformation can be expressed as follows:
• Given a point with spatial ellipsoidal coordinates (geodetic latitude φ and

geodetic longitude λ, ellipsoidal height h) referring to a local ellipsoid with
semimajor axis a and flattening f).
• Find the geodetic latitude φ, longitude λ and ellipsoidal height h referring
to the WGS 84 ellipsoid.
This procedure is illustrated in Fig. E-1.
P (φL o c a l , λL o c a l , h L o c a l ; a L o c a l , f L o c a l )
Datum
Transformation
Form u las
Fig. E-1. General

P (φW G S 84, λW G S 8 4, h WGS 84; aWGS 84, fWGS 8 4 ))
principle of a datum
transformation
The following three transformations are explained in more detail.
• Helmert´s formula
• Standard Molodensky Formula
• The Multiple Regression Equation.
The advantage of computational transformations over WGS 84 surveying is

certainly the minimal effort required in using appropriate software and known
datum parameters.
Note: All datum transformations require the use of the ellipsoidal height h in See APPENDIX B for
the local system which is h = H + N with H ... orthometric height and N ... more on height defi-
nitions
height of the geoid. In general, only the orthometric height is known (and
found also in maps). The geoid height has to be taken from a digital model (if
available).
However, according to [2], an investigation was made checking the effect of

an unknown (orthometric) height on the transformed latitude and longitude of
a point using the Helmert transformation formulas. By assigning heights
ranging from zero metres to 8000 m, it was concluded that the effect on both
latitude and longitude was negligible (less than 15cm at 8000 m).
Consequently, for a point of known latitude and longitude, but unknown
(orthometric) height, an arbitrary height of zero metres could be assigned
without significantly affecting the transformation.
HELMERT’S FORMULA
The application of Helmert´s formula requires a three step approach (Step 1

through Step 3), if the input coordinates are given in spatial ellipsoidal coor-
dinates φ,λ,h.
If the input coordinates are already given in rectangular coordinates X, Y, Z

of a local system, then proceed right to Step 2.
Step 1: Transformation from the spatial ellipsoidal coordinates φ,λ, h of the

local ellipsoid into rectangular coordinates X, Y, Z of this local
system.
(φ, λ, h ) Local → (X, Y, Z )Local
X = ( ν + h ) cos φcos λ
Y = ( ν + h ) cos φsin λ
Z = ( ν(1 − e 2 ) + h )sin φ
ν : Radius of curvature in the prime vertical
See Tab. B-1 for a list
a
ν = of reference ellipsoids
(1 − e sin 2 φ)1/ 2
2
and parameters
a : Seemi − major axis of ellipsoid
e : Eccentricity of ellipsoid
e2 = f (2 − f )
f : Flattening of ellipsoid
Step 2: Application of Helmert´s formula. See Tab. E-1 for a list

Depending on the availability and reliability of datum parameters, of WGS 84 trans-
this transformation may use only the three shifts of origin, or the formation parameters
three shifts of origin and the scale parameter, or all seven
parameters including the rotation angles.
X  X  µ + εZ − εY  X  ∆X 
Y  = Y  + − ε µ + εX  Y  + ∆Y 
     Z     

Z 
WGS84 
Z 
Local + ε − ε µ  
Z 
Local 
∆ Z
14 Y4 4 2X4 4 43
 1 23
Rotation angles Shift of
and scale factor origin
Step 3: Afterwards, the back transformation from WGS 84 Cartesian

coordinates into spatial ellipsoidal WGS 84 coordinates φ, λ, h is
performed. It must be noted that the back transformation can only be
carried out in an iterative manner. However, the development
converges very fast due to h << ν.
(φ, λ, h ) WGS84 ← (X, Y, Z ) WGS84
−1
Z ν 
φ = arctan 1 − e 2

X 2 + Y2  ν+ h
Y
λ = arctan
X
X 2 + Y2
h = − ν
cos φ
STANDARD MOLODENSKY FORMULA
Besides the transformation from a local geodetic datum to WGS 84 in

rectangular coordinates (see Helmert’s Formula), the transformation can also
be performed in curvilinear (geodetic) coordinates:
φWGS84 = φLocal + ∆φ
λWGS84 = λLocal + ∆λ
h WGS84 = h Local + ∆h
with the Standard Molodensky Formula:
∆φ" = { - ∆X sin φcos λ - ∆Y sin φsin λ + ∆Z cos φ

+ ∆a ( νe 2 sin φcos φ) / a + ∆f [ ρ (a / b)
+ ν(b / a)] sinφcosφ} ⋅ [(ρ + h) sin1"]-1
∆λ" = [- ∆X sin λ + ∆Y cos λ] ⋅ [ ( ν + h) cos φsin 1" ] -1
∆h = ∆X cos φcos λ + ∆Y cos φsin λ + ∆Z sin φ

- ∆a (a / ν) + ∆f (b / a) ν sin 2 φ
∆φ, ∆λ,∆h Corrections to transform local geodetic datum to WGS 84.

The units of ∆φand ∆λare arc seconds (’’); the units of ∆h
are metres (m).
φ, λ,h Geodetic coordinates (old ellipsoid)

h = H + N (H: Orthometric height, N: Geoid height)
ν Radius of curvature in the prime vertical
ρ Radius of curvature in the meridian
a,b Semi-major axis, semi-minor axis of the local geodetic datum See Tab. B-1 for a list
of reference ellipsoids
ellipsoid. and parameters
b/a=1-f
f Flattening
See Tab. E-1 for a list
∆X, ∆Y, ∆Z Shift of origin of WGS 84 trans-
formation parameters
∆a, ∆f Difference between the semi-major axis and the flattening of
the local geodetic datum ellipsoid and the WGS 84 ellipsoid,
respectively (WGS 84 minus Local).
e Eccentricity
e2=f(2-f)
0
The formulas should not to be used between 89 latitude and the pole !
MULTIPLE REGRESSION EQUATIONS
The development of Local Geodetic Datum to WGS 84 Datum Local geodetic datum to
transformation Multiple Regression Equations was initiated to obtain better WGS 84 datum
transformation Multiple
fits over continental size land areas than could be achieved using the
Regression Equations
Standard Molodensky Formula with datum shifts ∆x, ∆y, ∆z. for seven major
continental size datums,
covering contiguous
∆φ= A 0 + A 1 U + A 2 V + A 3 U 2 + A 4 UV + A 5 V 2 + K + A 99 U 9 V 9 continental size land
areas with large
∆λ= B0 + B1 U + B2 V + B3 U 2 + B4 UV + B5 V 2 + K + B99 U 9 V 9 distortion, are provided
in Ref. [4]
∆h = C 0 + C1 U + C 2 V + C 3 U 2 + C 4 UV + C 5 V 2 + K + C 99 U 9 V 9
A0, B0 , C0 ... constant

Ai (i=1 ... 9) ... unknowns to be determined
Bi (i=1 ... 9) ... unknowns to be determined
Ci (i=1 ... 9) ... unknowns to be determined
U = k (φ- φm) ... normalized geodetic latitude
V = k (λ- λm) ... normalized geodetic longitude
k ... scale factor, and degree to radian conversion
φm , λm ... mean values of local geodetic datum area (in
degrees)
The main advantage lies in the modelling of distortion for better fit in
geodetic applications.
TRANSFORMATION PARAMETERS
Tab. E-1 gives a list of datum transformation parameters of existing national

reference frames.
Reference Translations (m) Rotations (´´) Scale µ Comments

Datum ∆X ∆Y ∆Z εX εY εZ (ppm)
WGS 84 . . . . . . .
WGS 72 0.0 0.0 4.5 0.0 0.0 -0.554 0.22
ED 50 -87.0 -98.0 -121.0 . . . .
ED 79 -86.0 -98.0 -119.0 . . . .
ED 87 -82.5 -91.7 -117.7 0.1338 -0.0625 -0.047 0.045
Austria NS 595.6 87.3 473.3 4.7994 0.0671 5.7850 2.555 Via ED 87
Belgium 50 -55.0 49.0 -158.0 . . . .
Berne 1873 649.0 9.0 376.0 . . . .
CH-1903 660.1 13.1 369.2 0.8048 0.5777 0.9522 5.660
Danish GI 1934 662.0 18.0 734.0 . . . .
Nouv Trig de -168.0 -60.0 320.0 . . . . Greenwich
France Zero Meridian
Nouv Trig de -168.0 -60.0 320.0 . . 8414.03 . Paris Zero
France Meridian
Potsdam 587.0 16.0 393.0 . . . . Via ED 50
GGRS 87 199.6 -75.1 -246.3 0.0202 0.0034 0.0135 -0.015
Hjorsey 55 -73.0 46.0 -86.0 . . . .
Ireland 65 506.0 -122.0 611.0 . . . .
Italy 1940 -133.0 -50.0 97.0 . . 44828.40 . Via ED 50
Rome Zero M.
Nouv Trig de -262.0 75.0 25.0 . . . . Via ED 50
Lux
Netherlands 719.0 47.0 640.0 . . . . Via ED 50
1921
OSGB 36 375.0 -111.0 431.0 . . . .
Portugal DLX 504.1 -220.9 563.0 . . -0.554 0.220 Via WGS 72
Portugal 1973 -227.0 97.5 35.4 . . -0.554 0.220 Via WGS 72
RNB 72 -104.0 80.0 -75.0 . . . . Via ED 50
RT 90 424.3 -80.5 613.1 4.3965 -1.9866 5.1846 0.0
NAD 27 -8.0 160.0 176.0 . . . . Mean solution
NAD 83 0.0 0.0 0.0 . . . .
Note, that 1" in the rotation angle is approximately equal to 31 m on the Tab. E-1. WGS 84
earth-surface : transformation para-
meters
1" = 6 400 000 m x 3.141593 / ( 180 x 3600 ") = 31.03 m
[Also 1 Nautical Mile = 1852 metres (so 1 “ = 30.48 m)]

-6
Note, that 1 ppm = 10 , i.e. 1 ppm is equivalent to approximately 6.4 m on
the earth’s surface.
Appendix F Surveying and Photogrammetric Methods 86
APPENDIX F
SURVEYING AND PHOTOGRAMMETRIC

METHODS
SURVEYING
Definition of Surveying
The following definition for surveying can be found in [7]:
• Deals primarily with so-called geometric measurements on the earth's

surface
• Uses space methods like GPS for terrestrial positioning
• Computes derived quantities like coordinates, areas, etc.
Represents numerical data in graphical form like plans and maps
Conventional Surveying Techniques
WGS 84 coordinates can be obtained by collocating the point(s) with a WGS For more information
84 (ETRF / ITRF) station (measurement of relative coordinate differences). on ITRS and ETRF see
Appendices C and D
Conventional surveying techniques determine
• directions and angles using a theodolite (accuracy of directions up to 0.01

mgon ( or 0.1’’ ; one gon is also called the grad which is 1/400 of a
circumference). The technique is also called triangulation.
• distances by EDM (electronic distance measurement) meters. The

accuracy derived can be up to 1 mm. The technique is also called
trilateration.
Total Stations
Modern total stations combine a self-recording, high precision electronic

theodolite with an EDM instrument which is mounted (often) co-axially. A
total station is set up over a reference point whose coordinates are known
and the telescope is pointed towards a target/reflector to measure distance,
horizontal and vertical angles. These are recorded automatically either for
immediate display (on-line field computation capabilities) or for post-
processing.
Spirit Levelling
Fig. F-1 shows the principle of Spirit levelling, which is used to determine
height differences relative to a point of known (orthometric) height. The
accuracy derived can be up to ± 0.3 mm / √s (km). Although automated
instruments with complete digital data handling are available, the technique is
very time-consuming, elaborate and expensive and the error propagation
formula mentioned above is only applicable in a local area, say up to 50 km.
Hence, the main application of spirit levelling is with respect to the local area.
Fig. F-1. Principle of

spirit levelling
Heights, which are derived using a trigonometric technique (measuring zenith

or height angles), can be considered as "orthometric heights" (neglecting
gravity data: accuracy in decimetre level).
Advantages/Disadvantages of Conventional Surveying
Field operations with modern total stations take a very short time and a
surveyor with an assistant can, typically, survey up to 1000 points per day in
favourable meteorological circumstances (theodolite, EDM instruments as
well as spirit levelling instruments are less efficient). However, this technique
has a number of drawbacks.
Firstly, the observations are limited by intervisibility between theodolite and

target and, to a lesser extent, by range. The technique requires a number of
evenly distributed control-reference stations, whose coordinates are either
known in advance or determined separately. Horizontal control coordinates
are normally provided by triangulation points and heights by benchmarks,
both obtainable from the respective national mapping organization. National
survey organizations, in turn, survey these points and compute their
coordinates or heights by using a series of hierarchical networks, starting at
primary level and broken down successively into second order and third
order, etc. In a densely surveyed country, lower order triangulation points are
to be found, at best, at a density of say, one every 5 km. This is not sufficient
for general surveying and additional control stations have to be established,
prior to a detail survey, by well known control survey techniques such as

triangulation, trilateration and traversing.
GPS surveying and photogrammetric techniques are becoming progressively

more efficient
The Height Problem Revisited
Processing of vertical angle and distance measurements results in so-called

trigonometric height differences ( = ellipsoidal height differences).
Orthometric heights of high accuracy can be only derived by measuring

gravity potential differences C = ∆W = ∫ g dh (combination of gravity
observations g and spirit levelled height differences dh) and dividing it by
normal gravity. Or in other words: To come up with high accuracy
orthometric heights orthometric corrections have to be applied.
In a local non-mountainous region ( e.g. say 50 km x 50 km) the geoid

variation might be < 0.1m. Neglecting these geoid differences the type of
height becomes irrelevant (orthometric height diff = trigonometric height diff
= levelled height diff).
PRINCIPLES OF AEROPHOTOGRAMMETRY
The principle of aerophotogrammetry is briefly as follows:
A photogrammetric camera placed in an airplane takes overlapping photos in

a strip. Overlapping photo strips form a block. The objects on the ground
whose coordinate are to be determined are appropriately marked for clear
identification on the photos.
After the photos are developed, precise image coordinates are determined by
photogrammetric instruments. The transformation of these image coordinates
into the WGS 84 (ETRF) coordinates of the ground stations is computed by
using ground control (identifiable ground stations with WGS 84 coordinates).
Relative Orientation
A stereoscopic model of the ground, using two overlapping photos, can be

established. This process is called relative orientation. It uses the geometry of
the photos, the central perspective and take account of the tilts between
images which are due to displacements of the aircraft (see Fig. F-2).
Fig. F-2. Overlapping

vertical photos taken by
an aerial camera
Analogue photo cameras are likely to be replaced in the near future by digital
cameras.
Absolute Orientation
The so-called absolute orientation process is computed (bundle block

adjustment, see Fig. F-3) by using ground control (stations with WGS 84
coordinates available or established by GPS surveying) in each model (one
pair of photos). Furthermore, for large areas the earth’s curvature has to be
take into consideration as well as the variation of the geoid.
Fig. F-3. Bundle block

adjustment
Minimization of Ground Control
Knowing that approximately 60-80 % of the costs of a photogrammetric

project are related to the establishment of ground control, considerable
savings can be achieved when determining the precise aerial camera
coordinates at the moment of exposure by using kinematic DGPS positioning
(relative to a reference station). This requires a GPS receiver and antennae on
the aircraft which is time-synchronized with the photogrammetric camera. In
addition, the geometrical offset (eccentricity) between camera and GPS
antenna has to be determined beforehand by measurement.
Fig. F-4 shows the minimal amount of ground control required in the case
where the camera position coordinates are determined by using DGPS.
Horizontal Control
Station
Height Control
Station
Fig. F-4. Minimal

amount of ground
control by using DGPS
Working Steps
When carrying out a photogrammetric project the following working steps

are necessary:
• The parameters of the photo flight have to be determined as a function of

anticipated coordinate accuracy of the ground stations.
• If no WGS 84 coordinates at ground stations are available, they have to be

established using GPS differential surveying techniques.
• The points to be coordinated have to be marked so that a unique

identification in the aerial photos is possible.
• Photo flights can be carried out only in clear weather conditions. For
precise coordinate determination it is necessary to fly the strips using flight
guidance with approx. 50 m horizontal accuracy.
• The image coordinates are measured from the stereoscopic models

establishment in photogrammetric instruments (e. g. an "Analytical
Plotter").
• The final coordinates are derived computationally using a so-called

photogrammetric block adjustment.
• Verification of the photogrammetrically-derived coordinates is done using

selected field checks (GPS or conventional surveying).
Advantages/Disadvantages
The advantages of aerophotogrammetry are:
• A photogrammetric survey can cover a large area in one flight.
• The analogue photos which are taken for coordinate determination contain
a lot of analogue information which might be useful for other tasks
(interpretation, etc.)
The disadvantages may be:
• Due to the fact that the flights should be carried out when the vegetation is
low (spring or late autumn) and the weather is clear, long waiting times my
occur.
• It might not be very economical comparing it with other terrestrial

techniques.
• Due to flight constraints and air traffic control certain restrictions may be
present.
• The release of photos may need approval by governmental or military

organizations.
Appendix G Map Projections 92
APPENDIX G
MAP PROJECTIONS
The advances in information technology during the last two decades have
given a boost to automatic cartography and hence, to digital mapping. A hard
copy analogue map can now be digitized and transformed into a computer
compatible data base, which can then be used for a variety of Computer
Aided Design (CAD) applications in planning, civil engineering and
Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
National surveying and mapping organizations are now well advanced in the
digitising of their national mapping, typical at scales from 1:1 000 for urban
areas and up to 1: 10 000 for rural areas.
GENERAL PRINCIPLE
The general principle of a map projection is as follows:
General principle of map projections
It is necessary to determine the functions f1 and f2 which map the ellipsoidal

(or spherical) coordinates φ,λonto a plane with rectangular coordinates x, y.
x = f1 (φλ
, )
y = f 2 (φλ
, )
f1 and f2 can be a function of latitude and longitude, or both. Each map

projection has unique equations for x and y. In other words, there is a one-to-
one correspondence between the earth and the map.
Note: Some map projections show the same meridian twice, because the
geographical poles are represented by lines instead of by points, or because
certain parts of the earth´s surface cannot be shown on the projection. These
peculiarities arise from the simple fact that a sphere has a continuous surface
whereas a plane map must have a boundary.
The correspondence between points on the surface of the earth and the plane
cannot be exact. In the first place a scale change must occur. Secondly, the
curved surface of the earth cannot be fitted to a plane without introducing
some deformation or distortion which is equivalent to stretching or tearing
the curved surface.
TYPE OF PROJECTIONS
Local surveys are usually computed in plane metric coordinates. These

coordinates are obtained by mapping the reference ellipsoid to the plane by
applying one of the well-known map projections (UTM, Gauss-Krüger,
Lambert Conical, Stereographic Polar etc.). The surveyor mainly works in
this plane coordinate system (x or Northing, y or Easting). The coordinates
of surveyed objects, obtained by using for example EDM equipment and
theodolites, are most easily computed by applying plane computation
formulae.
Air navigation, on the other hand, operates using geographic coordinates

(latitude, longitude). Therefore the problem is to derive geographic
coordinates as a function of plane coordinates. This problem can be solved by
applying the inverse map projection formulae to the Eastings and Northings.
Application of inverse map projection requires that the type of national map
projection be clearly defined in mathematical terms.
Projections can be classified as follows:
Mapping of the earth onto the plane of a
- Azimuthal plane
- Tangent cone
- Tangent cylinder.
Plane, cone and cylinder can be in a normal, transverse or oblique position

attached to the earth. In addition, the surfaces of the plane, cone and cylinder
can intersect the ellipsoid (or sphere), so that there are two lines of contact.
These projections are called secant projections.
Properties of projections
Equidistance
One particular scale is made equal to the principal scale throughout the map.
Usually, this is the meridional scale.
Equivalence
An equal area map is one in which a . b = 1 (a, b are the axes of the ellipse of
distortion).
Conformality
A conformal map is one in which a = b at all points of the map.

Geodetic map projections
Geodetic map projections differ from the cartographic ones as follows:
• The application is mainly with respect to large or medium scale maps.
• The reference ellipsoid is the one used by the national surveying agency.
• The graticule lines on the map represent geodetic coordinates. (In

contrast: geographic coordinates on cartographic graticules.)
• Geodetic maps should represent the results of surveying (e. g. Northing,

Easting).
Nowadays, mainly conformal transverse cylindrical projections are used

(Gauss´ coordinates).
SPHERICAL PROJECTION FORMULAE
Transverse cylindric Mercator projection
It is a conformal projection. The meridian is the line of zero distortion, the

principal scale is preserved along this meridian. At the equator the projection
is equidistant, too. There is no representation of the poles. The projection
may be either tangential or secant by the use of a central meridian scale
factor. The X (north) axis is towards the north pole along the central meridian
and the Y (east) axis is directed towards the east. The origin is at a point on
the central meridian which may be arbitrarily selected by the definition of a
latitude of origin φ0.
X = R ln(sec θ + tan θ)
Y = R(cos − 1 (tan θ cot(λ− λ0 ) − φ0 ))
θ = sin − 1 (cos φsin( λ− λ0 ))
R = F0 νρ
φ0 , λ0 = latitude of origin po int,
longitude of central meridian
F0 = Central meridian scale factor
( F0 = 0 for tan gential )
Stereographic polar
An orthomorphic zenithal (plane) projection which is tangential at the north

pole. The cartesian axes are oriented with the X (north) axis pointing away
from the central meridian, and the Y (east) axis towards 90° east of the
central meridian.
− 2 R cos φcos(λ− λ0 )
X =
1 + sin φ
2 R cos φsin( λ− λ0 )
Y =
1 + sin φ
R = Radius of the sphere, as given by R = νρ
λ0 = Longitude of central meridian
Stereographic oblique
Similar to the stereographic polar, with the exception that the plane is
tangential to the sphere at any point. The X (north) axis is directed towards
the north pole and the Y (east) axis to the east.
sin φcos φ0 − cos φsin φ0 cos(λ− λ0 )

X = 2R
1 + sin φsin φ0 + cos φcos φ0 cos(λ− λ0 )
cos φsin(λ− λ0 )
Y = 2R
1 + sin φsin φ0 + cos φcos φ0 cos(λ− λ0 )
φ0 , λ0 = Latitude and longitude of tan gential po int
Lambert conical, one standard parallel
An orthomorphic conical normal projection with the cone tangential to the

sphere along one standard parallel of latitude. The cartesian axes are oriented
with the X (north) axis towards the north pole and the Y (east) axis to the
east.
X = r0 − r cos θ
Y = r sin θ
θ = (λ− λ0 )sin φ0
r0 = R cot φ0
sin φ0
 tan(45 − 0.5φ) 
r = r0  
 tan(45 − 0.5φ0 ) 
R = νρ
φ0 , λ0 = Latitude of s tan dard parallel
Longitude of central meridian
Lambert conical, two standard parallel
Similar to tangential case, but with a secant cone which cuts the sphere at two
standard parallels φ1 and φ2. The origin of the cartesian coordinates is at an
implied mid latitude φ0.
X = r0 − r cos θ
Y = r sin θ
θ = (λ− λ0 )sin φ0
sin φ0
R cos φ1  tan(45 − 0.5φ0 ) 
r0 =  
sin φ0  tan(45 − 0.5φ1 ) 
sin φ0
R cos φ1  tan(45 − 0.5φ) 
r =  
sin φ0  tan(45 − 0.5φ1 ) 
ln cos φ1 − ln cos φ2
sin φ0 =
ln tan(45 − 0.5φ1 ) − ln tan(45 − 0.5φ2 )
ELLIPSOIDAL PROJECTION FORMULAE
Note: For the ellipsoidal formulae the descriptions and definitions of cartesian
axes are the same as for the spherical formulae. As a result only the formulae
are given with no further comment.
Stereographic polar
X = − r cos θ
Y = r sin θ
θ = λ− λ0
1/ 2 e
− 1/ 2 (1+ e ) − 1/ 2 (1− e )  cos φ 1 + e sin φ
r = 2a (1 + e) (1 − e)   
1 + sin φ1 − e sin φ
λ0 = longitude of central meridian
a = semi − major axis of ellipsoid
e = eccentricity of ellipsoid
Stereographic oblique
− 1/ 2 − 1/ 2
1+ e sin φcos φ0 − cos φsin φ0 cos(λ− λ0 ) 1 + e sinh 
X = 2 ν0 
    
1 − e   1 + sinh 1 − e sinh 
− 1/ 2 − 1/ 2
1+ e  cos φsin( λ− λ0 ) 1 + e sinh 
Y = 2 ν0 
    
1 − e   1 + sinh 1 − e sinh 
sinh = sin φsin φ0 + cos φcos φ0 cos(λ− λ0 )
1/ 2
 a 
υ0 =  
(1 − e sin φ0 ) 
2 2
φ0 , λ0 = Latitude of tangential pole

Longitude of tangential pole
Lambert conical, one standard parallel
X = r0 − r cos θ
Y = r sin θ
θ = (λ− λ0 )sin φ0
r0 = υ 0 cot φ0
sin φ0
 1/ 2 e

 tan( 45 − 0.5φ)

1+ e sin φ
 
 1 − e sin φ 
r = r0  1/ 2 e 
 tan(45 − 0.5φ )1+ e sin φ0  
 0  
 1 − e sin φ0   
a
ν0 =
(1 − e sin 2 φ0 )1/ 2
2
φ0 , λ0 = Latitude of standard parellel

Longitude of the central meridian
Lambert conical, two standard parallel
X = r0 − r cos θ
Y = r sin θ
θ = (λ− λ0 )sin φ0
sin φ0
  e sin φ0  
1/ 2 e
 tan( 45 − 0.5φ0 )1 +  

cos φ2  1 − e sin φ0  
r0 = ν2  1/ 2 e 
sin φ0
 tan( 45 − 0.5φ ) 1+ e sin φ2  
 2  
 1 − e sin φ2   
sin φ0
 1/ 2 e

 tan( 45 − 0.5φ)

1+ e sin φ
 
cos φ2  1 − e sin φ 
r = ν2  1/ 2 e 
sin φ0
 tan(45 − 0.5φ )1+ e sin φ0  
 0  
 1 − e sin φ0   
ln ν1 cos φ1 − ln ν2 cos φ2
sin φ0 =
 1 + e sin φ1  
1/ 2 e
 1 + e sin φ2  
1/ 2 e
ln 
tan(45 − 0.5φ1 )   
 − ln tan(45 − 0.5φ2 )  
 1 − e sin φ1    1 − e sin φ2   
a
ν1 =
(1 − e sin 2 φ1 )1/ 2
2
a
ν2 =
(1 − e sin 2 φ2 )1/ 2
2
Transverse Mercator projection
The transverse Mercator projection from the ellipsoidal surface is usually

expressed as a number of series expansions.
X = M + (λ− λ0 )2 A + (λ− λ0 ) 4 B + (λ− λ0 )6 C

Y = (λ− λ0 )D + (λ− λ0 )3 E + (λ− λ0 )5 F
5 2 5 3
M = b((1 + n + n + n )(φ− φ0 )
4 4
21 3
− (3n + 3n 2 + n )sin( φ− φ0 )cos(φ+ φ0 )
8
15 15 3
+ ( n2 + n )sin 2(φ− φ0 )cos 2(φ+ φ0 )
8 8
25 3
− n sin 3(φ− φ0 ) cos 3(φ+ φ0 )
24
ν
A = sin φcos φ
2
ν
B = sin φcos3 φ(5 − tan 2 φ+ 9η2 )
24
ν
C = sin φcos 5 φ(61 − 58 tan 3 φ+ tan 4 φ)
720
D = ν cos φ
ν ν
E = cos 3 φ( − tan 2 φ)
6 ρ
ν 3 ν
E = cos φ( − tan 2 φ)
6 ρ
ν
F = cos 5 φ(5 − 18 tan 2 φ+ tan 4 φ+ 14 η2 − 58 tan 2 φη2 )
120
a
ν =
(1 − e sin 2 φ)1/ 2
2
a(1 − e 2 )
ρ =
(1 − e 2 sin φ)3/ 2
a− b
η =
a+ b
b = a(1 − f )
ν
η2 = −1
ρ
The central meridian scale factor F0 is applied by multiplying the semimajor

axis a by F0 before calculating any other quantities.
GAUSS-KRÜGER PROJECTION
The Gauss-Krüger projection is identical to the conformal Mercator

projection, but the position of the cylinder is transverse. The reference surface
is the Bessel ellipsoid. The central meridian is equidistant. The y-coordinates
(eastings) are enlarged due to the convergence of the x-axes (northings). In
0
order to keep this distortion in reasonable limits zones of 3 width (in
longitude) are established, the central meridian lying in the middle of each
zone. The meridional strip systems have the following northings and eastings:
Northing Distance from equator
Easting In order to avoid negative signs, each central meridian has the
constant y = 500 000 m. The first two digits represent the zone
number which is the longitude of the central meridian divided by
three.
Example
The following transformation example shows the way for determining the
WGS 84 coordinates of the tower of the town hall of Berlin, which is given in
Gauss-Krüger coordinates. The transformation equations are taken from [9].
Firstly, the tower coordinates have to be projected onto the Bessel ellipsoid
by taking the central meridian λ0 = 12°. Secondly, the geographical
coordinates φ and λ with respect to the Bessel ellipsoid have to be
transformed to the WGS 84 ellipsoid.
The tower of the town hall of Berlin has the Gauss-Krüger coordinates:
Easting y = 45 95 696.17 m, Northing x =5821529.31 m
The parameters for the Bessel ellipsoid can be taken from Tab. B-1:
a = 6377397.155, b = a (1-f) = 6356078.963

n = (a-b)/(a+b) e’2 = (a2 - b2)/b2
The latitude of the footprint φf is given by:
x 2x 4x 6x 8x
φf = + β sin + γsin + δsin + ε sin + ...
α α α α α
with
a+ b 1 1 4 21 2 55 4
α= (1 + n 2 + n + ...) γ= n − n + ...
2 4 64 16 32
3 27 3 269 5 151 3 417 5 1097 4
β= n− n + n + ... δ= n − n + ... ; ε = n + ...
2 32 512 96 128 512
Radius of curvature in the prime vertical N f :

a2 a2
Nf = = ; t f = tan φf
b 1 + e ' 2 cos 2 φf b 1 + η2 f
Using the projection formulas of [9]
tf tf
φ= φf + 2
(− 1 − η2f )y 2 + 4
(5 + 3t 2f + 6 η 2f − 6 t 2f η2f − 3η 4f − 9t 2f η 4f )y 4
2N f 24 N f
tf
+ 6
( − 61 − 90 t 2f − 45t 4f − 107 η 2f + 162 t 2f η 2f + 45t 4f η 2f )y 6 + ...
720 N f
1 1
λ = λ0 + y+ ( − 1 − 2 t 2f − η 2f )y 3
N f cos φf 6 N f cos φf
3
1
+ (5 + 28t 2f + 24 t 2f + 6 η 2f + 8t 2f η 2f )y 5 + ...
120 N cos φf
5
f
yields to the geographical coordinates, referring to the Bessel ellipsoid:
λBessel = 13 24´36.01´´ φBessel = 52 31´11.65´´

0 0
In order to get WGS 84 coordinates, a datum transformation from the

Potsdam datum to the WGS 84 system has to be performed. The
approximated transformation parameteres can be found in Tab. E-1 and in the
DATUM software. They are:
∆X = 587.0 m; ∆Y = 16.0 m; ∆Z = 393.0 m
Using the DATUM software gives the WGS 84 coordinates of the tower of
the town hall of Berlin:
λWGS84 = 13 24´29.62´´ φWGS84 = 52 31´06.71´´

0 0
UTM-SYSTEM
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system - often used for military
maps - comprises the following features:
• The projection is the Gauss-Krüger version of the Transverse Mercator

0 0
intended to provide world coverage between the latitudes 84 N / 80 S.
• The reference ellipsoid is the International 1924, the unit of measure is the
International Metre.
• Each zone is 6 of longitude in width; the first zone has its western edge
0
0
on the meridian 180 and the zones proceed eastwards to zone 60 which
0
has its eastern edge at 180 longitude. The central meridian of each zone
0 0 0
is therefore 177 in zone 1, 171 in zone 2 and 165 in zone 3.
• The origin of each zone is the point on the equator where it is intersected
by the central meridian of the zone.
• Each zone extends as far pole-wards as 84 N and 80 S. Initially these
0 0
0 0
limits were set at 80 N and 80 S.
• The eastings of the origin of each zone is assigned the value of 500000 m.
• The scale factor on the central meridian is 0.9996.
• The UTM employs five different figures, for specific areas.
Appendix H Sample Questionnaire 103
APPENDIX H
SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE
________________________________________________
WGS 84 Implementation Programme

Survey Inventory
Questionnaire
PART I EN-ROUTE NAVAIDS
Please complete in black in block capitals

Make selections as indicated [x]
State
Civil Aviation
Administration
Address
Contact Name
Tel
Fax
Please complete and return to:

Navigation Aid Survey Inventory
Questionnaire
PART I EN-ROUTE NAVAIDS
(DME, VOR, DME/VOR, NDB, VORTAC and TACAN)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
1. By which organization is coordination of navigation aids performed ?
[] National Aviation Administration’s Internal Survey Unit
[] Aerodrome Staff Surveyors
[] National Mapping Agency
[] Local Government Survey Unit
[] Military Survey Department
[] Private Survey Contractor
[] Other, please specify |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|
_________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Is a written specification used for the method of measurement ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Which facilities are surveyed ?
DME [] Yes [] No
VOR [] Yes [] No
VOR/DME [] Yes [] No
NDB [] Yes [] No
VORTAC [] Yes [] No
TACAN [] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Is coordination done by instrument survey or by graphical methods ?
DME [] Instrument Survey [] Graphical method
VOR [] Instrument Survey [] Graphical method
VOR/DME [] Instrument Survey [] Graphical method
NDB [] Instrument Survey [] Graphical method
VORTAC [] Instrument Survey [] Graphical method
TACAN [] Instrument Survey [] Graphical method
_________________________________________________________________________________________
5. If coordinates are obtained graphically from map products, what map scale (or nearest equivalent)
was generally used ?
DME VOR DME/VOR NDB VORTAC TACAN

>1/5000 [] [] [] [] [] []
1/5000 [] [] [] [] [] []
1/10000 [] [] [] [] [] []
1/20000 [] [] [] [] [] []
1/25000 [] [] [] [] [] []
1/50000 [] [] [] [] [] []
1/100000 [] [] [] [] [] []
1/250000 [] [] [] [] [] []
<1/250000 [] [] [] [] [] []
_________________________________________________________________________________________
6. To what accuracy have the coordinates been determined ?
Note: This may differ from the resolution to which they are quoted in the AIP
DME VOR DME/VOR NDB VORTAC TACAN

>1 NM [] [] [] [] [] []
1 NM [] [] [] [] [] []
0.1 NM [] [] [] [] [] []
100 m [] [] [] [] [] []
10 m [] [] [] [] [] []
1m [] [] [] [] [] []
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
INFRASTRUCTURE
_________________________________________________________________________________________
7. If coordinates were extracted from a map, is it known on which datum the map is based ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Was this information (at 7) recorded as part of the survey ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
9. If instrument surveys were performed,
a) Was a record made of the reference frame used ?
[] Yes [] No
b) Was permanent survey stations established as part of the survey ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
QUALITY CONTROL
_________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Is the determination of the geographical coordinates of navigation aids covered by a formal
system of quality assurance, such as ISO 9000 or equivalent ?
[ ] Yes, please specify |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| [ ] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
11. What level of staff are used for coordinating en-route navaids ?
[] Professional surveyors
[] Qualified cartographers or draughtsmen
[] Qualified technicians
[] Junior grade staff
[] Untrained staff
[] Not known
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
12. Is specific training given for the particular task of surveying navigation aids ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Were field inspections undertaken to verify the location of the navigation aids and are they
part of an on-going programme for inspection ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Are such inspections, or similar inspections part of an on-going programme for inspection or
calibration ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
15. Where coordinates are supplied by other government agencies, is any further form of checking
performed ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
RECORDS AND ARCHIVES

_________________________________________________________________________________________
16. Are comprehensive records kept on positioning and coordinate data ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
17. Are such records free of inconsistency ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
18. Is it possible to trace the data and method of the survey/coordination of individual navaids ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
19. Are the survey records held centrally and are they easily accessible ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
20. Are the survey records held on computer ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
21. Are the survey records subject to regular maintenance ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
22. In the case of collocated navigation aids (VOR/DME) is it known to which facility the published
coordinates relate ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
23. Is the physical separation of such pairs of facilities known ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
24. Where central records of precise coordinates of navigation aids are kept are their published AIP
coordinates checked for consistency ?
[] Yes [] No
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CONFIRMATION OF AIP ENTRY

_________________________________________________________________________________________
25. Please indicate in Column A the number of navaids for which coordinates are published.
In Column B state the number of navaids for which the coordinates are determined by the
National Civil Aviation Administration itself.
AID Column A Column B
DME |__|__|__|__| |__|__|__|__|
VOR |__|__|__|__| |__|__|__|__|
VOR/DME |__|__|__|__| |__|__|__|__|
NDB |__|__|__|__| |__|__|__|__|
VORTAC |__|__|__|__| |__|__|__|__|
TACAN |__|__|__|__| |__|__|__|__|
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The following information is required for each DME, VOR, DME/VOR, TACAN and VORTAC. The
information is not required for NDBs.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(i) Identifier
|__|__|__|__|
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(ii) Type of aid
[ ] DME [ ] VOR [ ] DME/VOR
[ ] TACAN [ ] VORTAC
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(iii) Is there any documentary record of the date of survey (ie date on which coordinates were
determined) ?
[] Yes [] No
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(iv) Method of survey
[] Yes [] No
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(v) To which geodetic datum do the coordinates refer ?
[] WGS 84 [] National Mapping Datum
[] ED 50 [] Not known
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(vi) If the answer to (v) was National Datum, please state its name
|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(vii) Are original survey observations available ?
[] Yes [] No
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(viii) In the case of VOR, TACAN and VORTAC please state, if available, the value of the SITE
DECLINATION (VARIATION) set at the last calibration
DEGREES.XX |__|__|.|__|__| [] East [] West
Date of last calibration |__|__|__|__|__|__|
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(ix) For collocated aids (eg VOR/DME) do the coordinates relate to the distance measuring element ?
[] Yes [] No
_______________________________________________________________________________________
References 110
REFERENCES
[1] ASHKENAZI, V., CRANE, S. A., PREIS, W. J., WILLIAMS, J. (1984)

The 1980 Readjustment of the Triangulation of the United Kingdom and the Republic of
Ireland - OS(SN)80, Ordnance Survey Professional Papers, New Series, No. 31
[2] ASHKENAZI, V., MOORE, T., HILL, C. (12/1990)

DATUM: A Report and Software Package for the Transformation and Projection of
Coordinates, Institute of Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy, University of Nottingham
(UK), Revised December 93, EEC Report 237
[3] ASHKENAZI, V., MOORE, T., HILL, C. (9/1992)

WGS84 Pilot Survey Birmingham International Airport, Volume I, Institute of Engineering
Surveying and Space Geodesy, University of Nottingham (UK), EEC Report 251
[4] DMA (1991)

Department of Defense World Geodetic System 1984. Its Definition and Relationships with
Local Geodetic Systems. U. S. Defense Mapping Agency DMA TR 8350.2. Second Edition
1 Sept. 1991
[5] EUROCONTROL (1/1995)

WGS 84 Implementation Training Course, Brussels, Belgium, Held at INSTILUX/Luxembourg
on 31.1-3.2 1995, Prepared by the Institute of Geodesy and Navigation, University FAF
Munich, Germany
[6] EUROCONTROL (1994)

Surveying of Navigation Facilities, a EUROCONTROL Standard. EUROCONTROL, Rue de
la Fusée 96, Brussels B -1130, Belgium
[7] Geodetic Glossary (1986)

National Geodetic Survey, Rockville, Md. (NOAA, Rockville, MD 20852)
[8] Helmert, F. R. (1880)

Die mathematischen und physikalischen Theorien der Höheren Geodäsie. B. G. Teubner
Leipzig
References 111
[9] Hofmann-Wellenhof, B., G. Kienast, H. Lichtenegger (1994)

GPS in der Praxis. Springer Wien New York
[10] Hofmann-Wellenhof, B., H. Lichtenegger, H. J. Collins (1993)

Global Positioning System. Second Edition. Springer Wien New York
[11] Kahmen, H., W. Faig (1988)

Surveying. Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
[12] Kraus, K., P. Waldhäusl (1994)

Photogrammetrie. Band 1. Grundlagen und Standardverfahren. Ferd. Dümmlers Verlag Bonn
[13] Maling, D. H. (1992)

Coordinate Systems and Map Projections. Pergamon Press
[14] Seeger, H. (1994)

EUREF. The New European Reference Datum and Its Relationship to WGS 84. FIG XX.
Congress, Melbourne, 05.-12.03.94
[15] STASYS Study Report (10/1994)

EUROCONTROL. WGS 84 Implementation Programme - Integrity Model Navigation Data,
STASYS Ltd., The Grange, 1 Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8BB, UK
[16] Torge, W. (1991)

Geodesy. 2nd Edition. Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
[17] Vanicek, P. and E. Krakiwsky (1982)

Geodesy: The Concepts. North Holland Publishing Company. Amsterdam New York Oxford
Index 112
INDEX
ETRF (European Terrestrial Reference Frame), 5

ETRF-89, 78
— A— EUREF, 78
Accuracy, 7 Evaluated Data, 12
Aerodrome Survey Report, 40
Aerophotogrammetry, 22 — G—
Bundle Block Adjustment, 89
Ground Control, 90 Geodesy
Principle, 88 Definition, 64
Relative Orientation, 88 Geodetic Datum, 72
AIS (Aeronautical Information Service), 10 Cartesian, 73
Anti-Spoofing (A-S), 58 Definitions, 72
Area Navigation, 7 Ellipsoidal, 73
ARINC 424, 41 Geodetic Reference System (GRS), 72
ATC (Air Traffic Controllers), 1 Geoid, 66, 74
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), 4
GPS
— C— Absolute Positioning, 58
Calculated Points, 9 Accuracy, 60, 62
CEP (Circular Error Probable), 8 Concept, 55
Conventional Surveying, 21, 86 Differential, 59, 63
Coordinate Systems, 67 Measurements, 57
Ellipsoidal Geographic, 69 Position Errors, 59
Geocentric Earth-Fixed, 68 Signal Structure, 55
Local, 68 Surveying, 22
Spatial Ellipsoidal, 70 Surveying Techniques, 60
CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Checks), 48
Algorithm, 48 — H—
Generation, 51
Length and Integrity, 50 Height, 74, 81, 88
Validation, 52 Helmert, 19, 81
Critical Data, 35
— I—
— D—
INS (Inertial Navigation System), 4
Data Integrity, 7, 34
Formats, 41 Procedures, 35
Retention, 36 Requirements, 34, 35
Transfer, 36 International Earth Rotation Service (IERS), 77
Use, 37 ITRF (International Terrestrial Reference Frame), 5
Datum Transformation, 19, 73, 80 ITRS (International Terrestrial Reference System), 77
Accuracy, 19
Limitations, 20
Parameters, 85
— M—
Declared Points, 9 Manual Data Entry, 36
Deliverables, 38 Map Projections, 92
Digitzed Maps, 24 Ellipsoidal, 96
Direct Geodetic Connection, 19 Gauss-Krüger, 100
DME (Distance Measurement Equipment), 1 Lambert Conical, One Standard Parallel, 95, 97
Lambert Conical, Two Standard Parallel, 96, 98
— E— Principle, 92
Spherical, 94
ED (European Datum), 4 Stereographic Oblique, 95, 97
Ellipsoid, 65, 71 Stereographic Polar, 94, 96
Essential Data, 35 Transverse Cylindric Mercator, 94
Index 113
Transverse Mercator, 99 — S—
Types, 93
UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator), 101 SARPS. See FOREWORD
Molodensky, 19, 83 SAVVAN, 1
Multiple Regression Equations, 19, 84 security and integrity, 50
Selective Availability (S/A), 57
Software Aspects, 36
— N— Sphere, 65
NAD (North American Datum), 4 Spirit Levelling, 87
Survey Inventory Questionnaire, 5, 103
Surveyed Points, 9
— P— Surveying, 86
Positional Data, 9
Precision, 8 — T—
Total Station, 86
— Q— Traceability, 34
QMS (Quality Management System). See Quality Transformation. See Datum Transformation
Quality
Assurance, 28, 30 — U—
Definitions, 27
Level, 28 UDDF·(Universal Data Delivery Format), 41
Management, 28
Management System, 30 — V—
Record, 28
Standard, 28 Validation, 44
System, 30 Validation Checks, 36
Quality Plan, 32 Verification, 45
Questionnaire. See Survey Inventory Questionnaire Vertical Datum, 75
— R— — W—
Reference Data, 12 WGS 84 (World Geodetic System 1984), 2
Requirements, 12 Accuracy, 15
Resolution, 8 Definition, 13
RNAV. See Area Navigation Realization, 15
RNP (Required Navigation Performance), 8
Routine Data, 35
RTRF (European Terrestrial Reference Frame), 78

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Version 2.

"Recommendation 3.2/1 - Adoption of WGS 84

LIST OF FIGURES vii

LIST OF TABLES viii

1.1 Effects of using differing coordinate reference systems in aviation 1

1.2 Magnitude of the problem 3

1.3 Navigational implications 4

1.4 Approved solution to the problem 5

1.5 Purpose of the manual 6

CHAPTER 2 ACCURACY CONSIDERATIONS OF POINTS IN AVIATION 7

2.1 Type and classification 9

CHAPTER 3 THE GLOBAL WGS 84 COORDINATE SYSTEM 13

3.1 Definition of the WGS 84 coordinate system 13

3.2 Realization of the WGS 84 coordinate system 15

CHAPTER 4 A GUIDE TO GET WGS 84 COORDINATES 17

4.1 Case 1: Coordinates in a local reference frame are available 18

4.2 Case 2: No (sufficiently accurate) coordinates are available 21

4.3 Case 3: Digitized coordinates from maps are available 24

CHAPTER 5 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND INTEGRITY 27

5.1 Quality Definitions 27

6.1 Survey Reporting Requirements 38

6.2 A basic reporting structure 39

6.3 Formats, Standard Algorithms and Working Practices 41

6.4 Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) 48

APPENDIX A THE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) 55

APPENDIX B PRINCIPLES OF GEODESY 64

APPENDIX C THE INTERNATIONAL TERRESTRIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM (ITRS) 77

APPENDIX D THE EUROPEAN TERRESTRIAL REFERENCE FRAME (ETRF) 78

APPENDIX E DATUM TRANSFORMATION FORMULAS 80

APPENDIX F SURVEYING AND PHOTOGRAMMETRIC METHODS 86

APPENDIX G MAP PROJECTIONS 92

APPENDIX H SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE 103

FAF Final Approach Fix

RTCA Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics

Fig. 1-1. Datum problem in air navigation 2

Tab. 1-1. Air navigation coordinates of interest 6

1.1 Effects of using differing coordinate reference systems

In the mid-1970's, during trajectography experiments with the French

Main Reason for this Effect

If a ground-based radar navigation aid is coordinated in two or more different

Thus - the main source of systematic errors is the non-use of a common

Radar Radar Horizontal Aircraft

If we look at the current situation, we have to acknowledge that in the en-

Nevertheless, this will change dramatically either in the approach phase or

1.2 Magnitude of the problem

• Order of magnitude of the three origin shifts

Fig. 1-2 illustrates the magnitude of positional differences for Europe

Fig. 1-2. ∆LAT, ∆LON

1.3 Navigational implications

Ground-derived coordinates (Latitude and longitude) are determined with

Unlike ground-derived coordinates, navigation-system derived coordinates

Coordinates derived by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

1.4 Approved solution to the problem

The first step in the implementation of any coordinate transformation

AREA/EN-ROUTE COORDINATES AERODROME COORDINATES

1.5 Purpose of the manual

Annex 4 - Aeronautical Charts

The WGS 84 Support Office

The degree of conformity with a standard, or a value accepted as correct or

For the EUROCONTROL WGS 84 Implementation programme, the