CH 4

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CHAPTER 4.

MAP PROJECTIONS AND GRID SYSTEMS

SECTION I. MAP PROJECTIONS

A map projection is a method of representing a portion One common characteristic applies to all United States
of the Earth’s round surface on a flat surface. Because military maps: they are all based on a conformal
this procedure causes distortions of different types, projection. A conformal map projection is one that at
many different projections have been developed. any point, the scale is the same in any direction and the
Each projection is dictated by the size of the area angle between any two lines on the ellipsoid is the
being mapped, the map scale, and the intended use of same when projected onto a plane.
the maps. See table 4-2 at the end of this section.

Each projection preserves certain properties and


distorts others. Most projections are cylindrical,
Prescribed Projections
conical or azimuthal, and project an ellipsoid onto
cylinders, cones or plane surfaces. These surfaces may The Transverse Mercator (TM) Projection is the
be tangent to the ellipsoid or they may be secant. A preferred projection for all military mapping, though it
projection is tangent to the ellipsoid when only one is not necessarily used on all military maps. The
point or line of the projection surface touches the following projections are prescribed for U.S. military
ellipsoid. It is secant when two points or lines touch topographic maps and charts that display a military
the ellipsoid. See figure 4-1. grid on a standard scale. Military maps of non-U.S.

Figure 4-1. Projection Types: Tangent and Secant.


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areas produced by other nations may not always from the point of tangency. In a projection where the
conform to the following standards. U.S. maps of projected surface is secant to an ellipsoid, the scale
foreign areas may be based on other projections due to factor decreases toward the central meridian or origin
treaty agreements. and increases away from the points of secancy.

Topographic maps at scales of 1: 500,000 or larger True ground distance can be converted to a map
that lie between 80°S latitude and 84°N latitude are distance by multiplying the ground distance by the
based on the TM Projection. scale factor.

Topographic maps at scales of 1: 1,000,000 that lie


between 80°S latitude and 84°N latitude are based on
the Lambert Conformal Conic Projection. Map Scale
Maps at scales of 1: 1,000,000 or larger covering the
polar regions (south of 80°S latitude and north of 84°N A map scale is a representative ratio of map distances
latitude) are based on the Polar Stereographic Projection. to ground distances. These ratios vary from map to
map. The scale of a map is customarily chosen to
Maps at scales smaller than 1: 1,000,000 are based on the correspond to the ratio at a given point or along a
projection best suited for the intended use of the map. given line (if constant along that line) multiplied by a
suitable scale factor (usually close to unity). It is
usually expressed as a common fraction having one as
a numerator and the integer closest to the actual ratio
Scale Factor as a denominator.

Maps used by the military vary from small-scale


For most military applications, map distance and planimetric maps showing all of the continents to
ground distance are considered the same. However, for large-scale topographic maps suitable for tactical
some geodetic and artillery operations (especially when operations of small units and fire control. Military
long distances or high accuracies are involved), it is maps are classified according to their scale.
necessary to correct between map and ground distances.

Small-scale: 1: 600,000 and smaller


A scale factor is necessary to compensate for
distortions created when projecting an ellipsoidal Medium Scale: larger than 1: 600,000;
surface onto a cylinder, cone or plane depending on smaller than 1: 75,000
the projection type. The scale factor of a projection is
Large Scale: 1: 75,000 and larger
the ratio of arc length along a differentially small line
in the plane of the projection to the arc length on the
ellipsoid. This number depends on both the location of
the point and on the direction of the line along which Map scales can sometimes be confusing in the sense
arc length is being measured. For conformal that the scale is smaller as the number increases. This
projections, the scale factor is independent of the confusion can be cleared by viewing the map scale as
direction of the line and depends only on the location a fraction (1/100,000 is a smaller number than 1/
of the point. The scale factor is labeled “k”. 50,000). The following are standard scales for
military maps.
The scale factor is considered exact (unity) when it has
a value of 1. Unity occurs at the points of tangency or 1: 1,000,000 1: 500,000
secancy between the ellipsoid and the projected 1: 250,000 1: 100,000
surface. In a projection where the projected surface is
tangent to an ellipsoid, the scale factor increases away 1: 50,000 1: 25,000
Marine Artillery Survey Operations ________________________________________________________________________ 4-3

Mercator Projection

The Mercator Projection is a cylindrical projection


where the rotational axis of the ellipsoid coincides
with the axis of the cylinder so that the Equator is
tangent to the cylinder. Points on the surface of the
ellipsoid are projected onto the cylinder from the
origin located on the equatorial plane and vary
around three-quarters of the way back from the
projected area. The cylinder is then opened and
flattened to produce a plane surface. The parallels
of latitude and meridians of longitude both appear
as sets of parallel lines that intersect at right
angles. The meridians are equally spaced, but the
distance between parallels increases as their
distance from the Equator increases. The poles
cannot be shown on this projection (the normal
limits are from 80°N latitude to 80°S latitude). See
figure 4-2 and figure 4-3.

Figure 4-2. Mercator Projection.

As the distance from the Equator increases, so does the


amount of distortion; e.g., the map scale at 60°N or S
latitudes is nearly twice the map scale at the Equator.
Maps or charts with this projection will distort the size
of an area. This is why Alaska appears to be the same
size as the lower 48 states. This projection is not
commonly used for military purposes except when the
entire Earth must be displayed and relative positions of Figure 4-3. Mercator Projection Flattened
land masses are more important than size and distance. onto a Plane.
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Transverse Mercator Projection

The TM Projection is a cylindrical conformal


projection. It is based on a modified Mercator
Projection in that the cylinder is rotated (transverse)
90° so that the rotational axis of the ellipsoid is
perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder. Generally,
the TM Projection is considered as a cylinder that is
secant to an ellipsoid. Only a six-degree wide portion Figure 4-4. TM Projection.
of the ellipsoid is projected onto the cylinder. The
centerline of the projected area is called the central
meridian. The ellipsoid is then rotated six degrees
inside the cylinder and another six degree portion is
projected. See figure 4-4.

When the TM Projection is used to project a portion


of the ellipsoid onto the cylinder, the Equator and
the central meridian will appear as perpendicular
straight lines. A hemisphere will be distorted
towards its outer edges. The shaded areas of figure
4-5 show the varying distortion of two equivalent
geographic areas on the same projection. Note that
both areas encompass a region 20° by 20° and are
both bounded by 20° and 40°N latitude. Therefore,
on the ellipsoid they are the same size. But on the
projected surface the area bounded by 60° and 80° Figure 4-5. Distortion within the TM Projection.
longitude is much larger than the area bounded by
0° and 20° longitude. To decrease the amount of
distortion, the ellipsoid is divided into 60 6°-wide meridian onto the cylinder. A and D are the meridians
projection zones, each with a meridian of longitude located three degrees from the central meridian. A’ and
as its central meridian. Each zone is projected D’ are the projections of those meridians onto the
between 84° 30’ N latitude and 80° 30’ S latitude. cylinder. B and C are the points where the cylinder
intersects the ellipsoid creating the secant condition.
The cylinder used as the projection surface for the TM Note that line BM’C is shorter than line BMC. This
Projection is generally considered to be secant to the shows that any line that lies between the lines of
ellipsoid as shown in figure 4-4. This means that the secancy is shorter on its projected plane (map) than it is
cylinder intersects the ellipsoid in two places creating on the ellipsoid surface. Note also that lines A’B and
lines of secancy that are parallel to the central meridian CD’ are longer than lines AB and CD, respectively.
of the projection. The lines of secancy are located This shows that any line that lies between the lines of
180,000 meters east and west of the central meridian of secancy and the edges of the projection are longer on
each projected zone. See figure 4-6. the projected plane than they are on the ellipsoid
surface.
Figure 4-7 shows a cross section of an ellipsoid and a
cylinder of projection that is secant to the ellipsoid. The For the TM Projection, the scale factor at the lines
cross section is made by passing a plane through the of secancy is unity (1.000 or exact). The scale
ellipsoid at the Equator. Line A’M’D’ represents the factor decreases toward the central meridian to
surface of the cylinder. Line AMD represents the 0.9996. The scale factor increases toward the zone
projected portion of the ellipsoid surface. M is the limits to approximately 1.001 at the Equator. See
central meridian; M’ is the projection of the central figure 4-7 and table 4-1.
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Table 4-1. TM Projection Scale Factor by UTM Easting.


Easting of Starting Station Scale Factor (Meters)
500,000 500,000 0.99960
490,000 510,000 0.99961
480,000 520,000 0.99961
470,000 530,000 0.99961
460,000 540,000 0.99961
450,000 550,000 0.99963
440,000 560,000 0.99963
430,000 570,000 0.99966
420,000 580,000 0.99966
410,000 590,000 0.99970
400,000 600,000 0.99972
390,000 610,000 0.99975
380,000 620,000 0.99977
370,000 630,000 0.99982
360,000 640,000 0.99984
350,000 650,000 0.99985
340,000 660,000 0.99991
330,000 670,000 0.99995
320,000 680,000 1.00000
310,000 690,000 1.00005
300,000 700,000 1.00009
290,000 710,000 1.00014
280,000 720,000 1.00021
270,000 730,000 1.00025
260,000 740,000 1.00030
250,000 750,000 1.00037
240,000 760,000 1.00044
230,000 770,000 1.00051
220,000 780,000 1.00058
210,000 790,000 1.00064
200,000 800,000 1.00071
190,000 810,000 1.00078
180,000 820,000 1.00085
Figure 4-6. Secancy in a 6° Zone. 170,000 830,000 1.00094

Figure 4-7. Line Distortion and Scale Factor in the TM Projection.


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4-6 MCWP 3-16.7

Gauss-Kruger Projection Polar Stereographic Projection

The Gauss-Kruger (GK) Projection can be described as The Polar Stereographic Projection is used for
the TM Projection derived by mapping directly from an mapping the Earth’s polar regions and identifies those
ellipsoid that is tangent to the cylinder. It is a conformal regions as north and south zones. The north zone
projection with many similarities to the TM Projection.
extends from the North Pole to 83° 30’ N latitude; the
The tangent point is the meridian of longitude chosen as
south zone extends from the South Pole to 79° 30’ S
the central meridian for the projection. As with TM, the
GK Projection depicts 60 zones. Many geodesists latitude. It is a conformal azimuthal projection that is
consider the GK and TM Projections to be the same developed by projecting a polar region onto a plane
except for scale factor. See figure 4-8. that is tangent to an ellipsoid at the pole or secant to
the ellipsoid at a specific latitude. The plane is
perpendicular to the polar axis. The origin of the
projection is the opposite pole. Meridians are straight
lines and parallels are concentric circles.

Lambert Conformal Conic Projections


Figure 4-8. GK Projection.
Lambert Conformal Conic Projections are the most
When a meridian is tangent to a cylinder of projection, widely used projections for civilian cartographers and
there is no distortion along that line. Figure 4-9 shows all surveyors. Many nations use it for civil and military
lines not located on the central meridian are longer on the purposes. This projection can be visualized as the
projected surface than they are on the ellipsoid. For
projection of an ellipsoid onto a cone that is either
example, line A’M is longer than line AM when A
tangent or secant to the ellipsoid. The apex of the cone
represents the meridian located three degrees from the
central meridian. A’ is the projection of that meridian is centered in the extension of the polar axis of the
onto a cylinder. M is the central meridian (tangent point). ellipsoid. A cone that is tangent to an ellipsoid is one
that touches the ellipsoid at one parallel of latitude. A
For the GK Projection, the scale factor at the central meridian secant cone intersects the ellipsoid at two parallels
is unity (1.000 or exact). The factor increases outward toward called standard parallels. This text discusses the secant
the zone limits in excess of 1.004 at the Equator. condition. See figure 4-10.

Figure 4-9. Line Distortion and Scale Factor in the GK Projection.


Marine Artillery Survey Operations ________________________________________________________________________ 4-7

Directions are fairly accurate over the entire projection.


Shapes usually remain relative to scale but the distortion
increases away from the standard parallels. Shapes on
large-scale maps of small areas are essentially true. Scale
factor is exact (unity or 1.000) at the standard parallels. It
decreases between and increases away from the standard
parallels. The exact number depends on the distance
between the standard parallels.

Figure 4-10. Secant Condition of Lambert Oblique Mercator Projection


Conformal Conic Projection.

When the cone of projection is flattened into a plane, The Oblique Mercator Projection is actually many
meridians appear as straight lines radiating from a point different projections using variations of the TM. All are
beyond the mapped areas. Parallels appear as arcs of cylindrical and conformal. But instead of the cylinder
concentric circles centered at the point from where the being transverse 90° from the Mercator Projection, it is
meridians radiate. None of the parallels appears in exactly transverse at an angle that places the long axis of the
the projected positions. They are mathematically adjusted cylinder 90° from the long axis of the area being mapped.
to produce the property of conformality. This projection is If the general direction of an area that is to be mapped lies
also called the Lambert Conformal Orthomorphic in a northeast/southwest attitude, the cylinder of projection
Projection. See figure 4-11. would be transverse 45° west of north. The cylinder is
usually secant to the ellipsoid to lessen the effects of
distortion. The location of the lines of secancy varies
between projections. Many Oblique Mercator Projections
exist. This publication discusses the Laborde Projection
and the West Malaysia Rectified Skew Orthomorphic
(RSO) Projection only.

The Laborde Projection is used to map the island of


Figure 4-11. Cone Flattened onto a Plane. Madagascar. It is an Oblique Mercator type projection
with the long axis of the cylinder oriented at 18° 54’ east
The parallels of latitude on the ellipsoid that are to be of north. Scale factor at the origin is 0.9995. This
secant to the cone are chosen by the cartographer. The projection is used with the International Ellipsoid.
distance between the secant lines is based on the purpose
and scale of the map. For example, a USGS map showing The West Malaysia RSO Projection is used to map the
the 48 contiguous states uses standard parallels located at islands of Malaysia. It is an Oblique Mercator type
33°N and 45°N latitudes (12° between secant lines). projection with the long axis of the cylinder oriented at 36°
Aeronautic charts of Alaska use 55°N and 65°N (10° 58’ 27.1542" east of north. Scale factor at the origin is
between secant lines). For the National Atlas of Canada, 0.99984. This projection is used with the Modified Everest
secant lines are 49°N and 77°N (28° between secants). The Ellipsoid to map the West Malaysia RSO Grid System.
standard parallels for USGS maps in the 7.5 and 15-minute
series vary from state to state. Several states are separated Many other Oblique Mercator Projections are used to map
into two or more zones with two or more sets of standard areas of the world. Most are designed to work with a
parallels. See figure 4-12 on page 4-8. specific grid system like the West Malaysia system
described above. Examples of these systems include but
are not limited to—
Since this is a conformal projection, distortion is
comparable to that of the TM and Polar Stereographic l Alaska Zone 1 RSO.
Projections. Distances are true along the standard parallels l Borneo RSO.
and reasonably accurate elsewhere in limited regions. l Great Lakes (4 Zones) RSO.
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4-8 MCWP 3-16.7

Figure 4-12. Oklahoma Lambert Projection; North and South Zones.

l Liberia RSO. central meridian of a zone. The Cassini Projection predates


l Malaya (chain) RSO. the GK and TM Projections. It is made by treating all
l Malaya (yard) RSO. meridians as planes that extend from the ellipsoid out to the
l Switzerland Oblique Mercator. cylinder. This projection causes the Equator and central
meridian to be perpendicular straight lines. All other
meridians appear as lines that intersect the Equator at right
New Zealand Map Grid Projection angles and curve toward the central meridian except for
those meridians that are located 90° from the central
The New Zealand Map Grid (NZMG) Projection is meridian. Those meridians appear as straight lines that are
used to map New Zealand. It is a sixth-order complex- parallel to the Equator. Scale factor at the central meridian
algebra polynomial modification of the Mercator is unity (1.00 or exact). This projection is still used in some
Projection. A cylinder cannot necessarily be areas for civil and local grid systems, but is considered
considered in this projection. It is a mathematical obsolete for most purposes. In many areas it has been
projection set secant to the International Ellipsoid. The replaced by the TM Projection. This projection is
NZMG has no defined scale factor at the central sometimes called the Cassini-Solder Projection.
meridian. Scale factor ranges from 1.00023 to 0.00078
over the entire projection.
Position differences between Cassini grid systems and
TM grid systems are slight. For example, northing is
Cassini Projection the same in the Palestine Cassini Civil Grid as it is in
the Palestine TM Civil Grid. The easting difference
The Cassini Projection can be viewed outwardly as a GK between the two is zero at 20 kilometers from the
projection in that the cylinder is transverse 90° from the central meridian and only 4.1 meters at 100 kilometers
Mercator Projection. It is also tangent to the ellipsoid at the from the central meridian.
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Table 4-2. Projection Features.


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Table 4-2. Projection Features (Continued).


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Table 4-2. Projection Features (Continued).


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SECTION II. GRID SYSTEMS

A grid system is a two-dimensional plane-rectangular Grid convergence is the angular difference between
coordinate system that is usually based on and true north and grid north. The direction and the value
mathematically adjusted to a map projection. This of the angle are computed differently depending on the
allows for the transformation from geodetic positions grid system. In some systems, grid convergence can be
(latitude and longitude) to plane coordinates (easting the same as convergence of the meridians.
and northing) and for the computations relating to
those coordinates to be made by ordinary methods of
plane surveying.
Universal Transverse Mercator Grid System
Many grid systems are in use. Most of the local systems
will eventually be converted to one of the universal grid
systems. Some areas will continue to be mapped in a The Universe TM (UTM) Grid System is referenced to
local system such as the British National Grid (BNG), the TM Projection. The ellipsoid is divided into 60
the Irish Transverse Mercator Grid (ITMG), and the grid zones, each 6° wide, extending from 84° N
Madagascar Grid (MG). There are two universal grids latitude to 80° S latitude. Zones are numbered from 1
used by the United States military and its allies: UTM to 60. Zone 1 starts at 180° − 174° west longitude,
and Universal Polar Stereographic (UPS). zone 2 at 174° west − 168° west longitude, continuing
east to zone 60 at 174° E − 180° longitude. The prime
Grids consist of a system of evenly spaced parallel meridian (0° longitude) separates zones 30 and 31. See
lines lying perpendicular to another system of evenly figure 4-13.
spaced parallel lines forming squares. The ground
distance between the lines depends on the scale of the The location of any point in the UTM grid system can
map and the type of grid system. Most systems use be designated by coordinates by giving its distance east-
meters as a basis for grid line spacing. Others use west (easting) and its distance north-south (northing)
yards or feet. Standard scale military maps generally from the origin of the grid zone. This origin (for each
adhere to grid lines on— UTM grid zone) is the intersection of the Equator and
the central meridian of the zone. Each UTM zone has a
l Large-scale maps spaced at 1,000 meters. central meridian corresponding to the central meridian
l Medium-scale maps at 1:250,000 spaced at 10,000 of each TM Projection zone. The grid is oriented by
meters. placing the east-west axis of the grid in coincidence
with the Equator and the north-south axis of the grid in
For scales smaller than 1:250,000, the grid lines may or coincidence with the central meridian of the zone.
may not be depicted, depending on the map’s purpose.
Once the grid is oriented, the origin for easting and
North-south lines in a grid system are called eastings northing are assigned false values. The central
and increase in value from west to east. East-west lines meridian (origin for easting) of each zone is assigned
in a grid system are called northings and increase in an easting value of 500,000 meters. The easting
values from south to north. (These rules do not apply increases east of the central meridian and decreases
to grid systems that cover the polar regions such as the west. The Equator (origin for northing) is assigned two
UPS.) The numerical value of an easting and northing false values. If operating in the Northern Nemisphere,
are referenced to a specific origin. A false value is the northing of the Equator is 0 meters and increases
applied to the easting or northing grid line that falls at north. If operating in the Southern Hemisphere, the
a particular reference line or point. Usually, that line northing of the Equator is 10,000,000 meters and
or point is a meridian of longitude; e.g., central decreases south. Grid lines that run north and south are
meridian of a zone or a parallel of latitude (like the easting lines. They are parallel to the central meridian
Equator, but it can have other references). The origin of the grid zone. Grid lines that run east and west are
for the false easting and false northing are normally northing lines. They are parallel to the Equator. See
different lines or points. figure 4-14 on page 4-14.
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4-14 MCWP 3-16.7

Figure 4-14. UTM Easting and Northing.

Grid convergence at a point in the UTM system is the listed in the declination diagram of a map. Grid
angle measured, east or west, from true north to grid convergence should be computed for use in fifth order
north. At any point along the central meridian of a or higher surveys because the information on the map
UTM grid zone, true north and grid north are the same. is generally computed for the center of the map sheet.
At any point not located on the central meridian, grid For example, the Lawton map sheet (6353III) lists the
north departs from true north because of convergence grid convergence at 6 mils, the Cache map sheet
of the meridians. Grid convergence within the UTM (6253II) lists it at 4 mils. There are two mils difference
system is a function of both latitude and longitude. It between the centers of these two adjoining sheets. See
will rarely exceed 3° (53.333 mils) and is normally figure 4-15.
Marine Artillery Survey Operations ______________________________________________________________________ 4-15

is the same. However, the opposite sign (direction)


must be used. See figure 4-16.

Figure 4-16. Sign of Grid Convergence.

The standard UTM grid zone is 6° wide. However,


portions of several grid zones have been modified to
accommodate southwest Norway and the islands of
Svalbard. These grid zone modifications are not
available in many survey or fire support systems.
User-defined options or work-around methods must be
used in these areas. Figure 4-17 on page 4-16 shows
the nonstandard portions of the respective grid zones.

Easting and northing values of a point in the UTM


grid system are called grid coordinates. Easting
consists of six digits before the decimal point. The
only exception is positions that are actually located
in an adjacent grid zone. An easting can be written
with the first digit (100,000 meters) separated from
the next five with a space. Northing generally has
seven digits before the decimal point. The exception
to this is at locations north of the Equator by less than
1,000,000 meters. A northing can be written with the
first two digits (1,100,000 meters) separated from the
Figure 4-15. UTM Grid Convergence. next five digits with a space. The number of digits
after the decimal point depends on the order of
survey and the accuracy needed. An example of a
In the Northern Hemisphere, grid convergence is UTM grid coordinate is 6 39127.84 − 38 25411.24.
negative east of the central meridian and positive
west. In the Southern Hemisphere, grid convergence If at any time you cross the Equator from north to
is positive east of the central meridian and negative south (at which point you would have a negative
west. The direction (+, −) and the value of the grid northing), you must algebraically add the northing to
convergence are applied to a true azimuth to obtain ten million meters to obtain a northing for the
a grid azimuth. If a grid azimuth must be converted Southern Hemisphere. If you cross the Equator from
to a true azimuth, the value of the grid convergence south to north (which would produce a northing
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4-16 MCWP 3-16.7

Figure 4-17. Nonstandard UTM Grid Zones.

greater than ten million meters), you must subtract ten A grid zone designator is a one-letter code specifying
million meters from your northing to obtain a northing a particular portion of a UTM/UPS grid zone. The grid
that can be used in the Northern Hemisphere. zone designator is usually listed in the marginal data
of a military map. See figure 4-18.

Each of the 60 UTM grid zones is divided into 20 grid


Military Grid Reference System zone designators. Each designator represents an 8°
portion of the grid zone except the northernmost
(represents 12°). Designators are identified
UTM, GK, and UPS grid coordinates are not unique. alphabetically by the letters C to X with the letters I
Any UTM grid coordinates can be plotted in each of the and O omitted. C is the southernmost designator, X is
60 grid zones. Many UTM and GK coordinates will plot the northernmost, and the Equator separates M and N.
in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres of the Thus, a grid zone and grid zone designator together
same grid zone. All UPS grid coordinates between 84° specify a region of the Earth covering a 6° by 8° area
and 90° north and south latitudes will plot in each of the except in the northernmost designation X (specifies a
6° by 12° area).
two UPS grid zones. To make UTM and UPS grid
coordinates unique, the grid zone and grid zone
designator should accompany them. Both UPS zones (north and south) are divided into two
grid zone designations separated by the 0° and 180°
meridians. In the north, the designator Y covers the
The MGRS is designed for use with the UTM and Western Hemisphere; Z covers the Eastern
UPS grid systems. It establishes a unique set of Hemisphere. In the south, designator A covers the
coordinates for each specific location on the Earth. An Western Hemisphere; B the Eastern Hemisphere.
MGRS grid coordinate consists of a grid zone (UTM Since numbers are not used to identify UPS grid
only), a grid zone designator, a 100,000-meter square zones, a UPS grid MGRS coordinate will begin with
identifier, and the easting/northing coordinate. the grid zone designator.
Marine Artillery Survey Operations ______________________________________________________________________ 4-17

Figure 4-18. MGRS: 100,000-Meter Square Identification Lettering Convention


for the UTM Grid, WGS 84/GRS 80 Ellipsoids.
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4-18 MCWP 3-16.7

100,000-Meter Square Identifier for every position within the UTM grid using the
MGRS.
Each UTM/UPS grid zone is divided into 100,000-
meter squares. Squares are identified by two letters UPS
called a 100,000-meter square identifier. The first
letter is columnar. It is the same for all squares in a The 100,000-meter square identifiers are the same for
north-south column. The second letter is linear. It is both UPS grid zones. The difference between two UPS
the same for all squares in an east-west row in a grid grid MGRS coordinates with the same 100,000-meter
zone. This identifier is usually listed as part of the square identifiers is the grid zone designator. A/B in
marginal information on a military map. The lettering the south, Y/Z in the north. Designators A and Y
convention used depends on the reference ellipsoid. (Western Hemisphere) are lettered the same, as are
This text discusses the UTM lettering convention used designators B and Z (Eastern Hemisphere). The north
with the WGS 84 and GRS 80 ellipsoids and the UPS zone only includes that portion of the lettering
lettering convention used with the International convention that falls inside of 84° latitude.
ellipsoid. Other ellipsoid lettering conventions are
detailed in DMA TM 8358.1, Datums, Ellipsoids, In the Western Hemisphere the first letter of the
Grids, and Grid Reference Systems. 100,000-meter square identifier originates at the
intersection of the 80° latitude and 90° W longitude
lines. It is lettered alphabetically along the east-west
UTM
axis from J to Z. M, N, O, V, and W are omitted.
The first (columnar) letter of the 100,000 meter square
In the Eastern Hemisphere, the first letter of the
identification originates at the 180° meridian with the
100,000 meter square identifier originates at the 0° and
letter A and increases alphabetically eastward along
180° meridians. It is lettered alphabetically along the
the Equator for three grid zones to cover an area of
east-west axis from A to R but D, E, I, M, N and O are
18°. The 100,000-meter columns, including partial
omitted.
columns at grid zone junctions, are lettered from A to
Z but omit I and O. This alphabet is repeated every 18° The second letter of the 100,000-meter square
eastward around the Earth. identifier originates at the intersection of the 80°
latitude/180° longitude lines. It is lettered
The second (linear) letter of the 100,000 meter square alphabetically from A to Z. I and O are omitted.
identification is lettered from A to V but omit I and O,
from south to north covering an area of 2,000,000
meters and is then repeated northward. In odd- MGRS Grid Coordinates
numbered grid zones, it originates at the Equator Easting and northing coordinates used are the same as
increasing alphabetically north. In even-numbered the grid coordinates used with UTM/UPS with the
grid zones, the second letter originates 500,000 meters following modifications.
south of the Equator increasing alphabetically north.
Thererefore, in odd-numbered grid zones the second For UTM MGRS grid coordinates, delete the first digit
letter of the 100,000-meter square identification is A (100,000 meters) from the easting and the first two
along the Equator. In even-numbered grid zones the digits (1,100,000 meters) from the northing of the
second letter is F along the Equator. UTM grid coordinates. Add the grid zone number, the
zone designator, and the 100,000-meter square
Each 6° by 8° square is broken up into 100,000-meter identifier at the front of the coordinates.
squares that occur only once. For example, there is
only one square identified by the letters WA inside of For UPS MGRS grid coordinates delete the first two
the 6° x 8° square of grid zone designation 3N. The digits (1,100,000 meters) from both the easting and
only other square in this figure identified by the letters northing UPS grid coordinates. Add the zone
WA is in grid zone designation 3Q. It can be seen in designator and the 100,000-meter square identifier at
figure 4-18 that unique coordinates can be established the front of the coordinates.
Marine Artillery Survey Operations ______________________________________________________________________ 4-19

The entire MGRS grid coordinate is written as one reference system that can be used with any map or
entity without parentheses, dashes, or decimals. chart graduated in latitude and longitude, regardless of
Examples: the map projection. The primary use of the GEOREF
is for inter-service and inter-allied positioning and
3Q location within a 6° × 8° square reporting of aircraft and air targets.
3QXV location to within 100,000 meter
3QXV41 location to within 10,000 meters
3QXV4312 location to within 1,000 meters
3QXV432123 location to within 100 meters User-Defined Grid Systems
3QXV43211234 location to within 10 meters
3QXY4321012345 location to within 1 meter
When operating in an area that is mapped in a grid
system other than UTM and UPS, it may be necessary
to define the grid system. Defining the grid system is
Nonstandard Grids basically orienting a fire support system or survey
system to measure or establish azimuths, distances,
Many grid systems have been developed by individual and elevations from a different origin than it is
nations that cover only that nation or a region programmed for. Most current software versions do
surrounding that nation. Usually, no direct relationship not allow this option. If the option is available, the
exists between local grid systems (the same as no following information is necessary:
direct relationship exists between the state plane grid
systems of the U.S.). Nonstandard grids are generally l Operational ellipsoid.
named for the nation or region they cover and contain
l Ellipsoid parameters (a, b, 1/f).
the term grid, zone or belt; i.e., Ceylon Belt, MG, and
India Zone I. l Scale factor (at the origin) for the projection.
l Latitude of the origin.
A grid covers a relatively small area. Its limits consist
of combinations of meridians, parallels, rhumb lines, l Longitude of the origin.
or grid lines. A zone is usually wide in longitude and l Unit (meters, feet, yards, chains or rods).
narrow in latitude. Its limits consist of meridians and
l False easting of the origin.
parallels. A belt is usually wide in latitude and narrow
in longitude. l False northing of the origin.

Figure 4-19 lists the needed information for several


common nonstandard grids published in DMA TM
World Geodetic Reference System 8358.1, table 6. See page 4-20.

The World Geodetic Reference System (GEOREF) is Figure 4-20 lists the needed information for several
an alphanumeric system for reporting positions based common nonstandard grids not published in DMA TM
on geodetic coordinates. It is a worldwide position 8358.1, table 6. See page 4-21.
4-20

ORIGIN FALSE ORIGIN


NAME PROJECTION ELLIPSOID LATITUDE LONGITUDE EASTING NORTHING SCALE FACTOR
British West Indies Transverse Mercator Clarke 1880 00° 00’ 00.000” N 62° 00’ 00.000” W 400,000.000 m 0m 0.9995
Costa Rica
Norte Lambert Clarke 1866 10° 28’ 00.000” N 84° 20’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 271,820.522 m 0.99995696
Sud Lambert Clarke 1866 09° 00’ 00.000” N 83° 40’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 327,987.436 m 0.99995696
Cuba
Norte Lambert Clarke 1866 22° 21’ 00.000” N 81° 00’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 280,296.016 m 0.99993602
Sud Lambert Clarke 1866 20° 43’ 00.000” N 76° 50’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 229,126.939 m 0.99994848
Dominican Republic Lambert Clarke 1866 18° 49’ 00.000” N 71° 30’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 277,063.657 m 0.99991102
Egypt Transverse Mercator International 00° 00’ 00.000” N 25° 30’ 00.000” E 300,000.000 m 0m 0.99985
28° 30’ 00.000” E
31° 30’ 00.000” E
34° 30’ 00.000” E
37° 30’ 00.000” E
El Salvador Lambert Clarke 1866 13° 47’ 00.000” N 89° 00’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 295,809.184 m 0.99996704
Guatemala
Norte Lambert Clarke 1866 16° 49’ 00.000” N 90° 20’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 292,209.579 m 0.99992226
Sud Lambert Clarke 1866 14° 54’ 00.000” N 90° 20’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 325,992.681 m 0.99989906
Haiti Lambert Clarke 1866 18° 49’ 00.000” N 71° 30’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 277,063.657 m 0.99991102
Honduras
Norte Lambert Clarke 1866 15° 30’ 00.000” N 86° 10’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 296,917.439 m 0.99993273
Sud Lambert Clarke 1866 13° 47’ 00.000” N 87° 10’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 296,215.903 m 0.99995140
Levant Lambert Clarke 1880 34° 39’ 00.000” N 37° 21’ 00.000” E 300,000.000 m 300,000.000 m 0.9996256
Nicaragua
Norte Lambert Clarke 1866 13° 52’ 00.000” N 85° 30’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 359,891.816 m 0.99990314
Sud Lambert Clarke 1866 11° 44’ 00.000” N 85° 30’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 288,876.327 m 0.99992228
Northwest Africa Lambert Clarke 1880 34° 00’ 00.000” N 00° 00’ 00.000” E 1,000,000.000 m 500,000.000 m 0.99908
Palestine Transverse Mercator 1 31° 44’ 02.749” N 35° 12’ 43.490” E 126,867.909 m 1.000
Clarke 1880 170,251.555 m 2
Panama Lambert Clarke 1866 08° 25’ 00.000” N 80° 00’ 00.000” W 500,000.000 m 294,865.303 m 0.99989909
1
Clarke 1880 Ellipsoid for Palestine, a = 6,378,300.790 and 1/f = 293.466307656.
2 Add 1,000,000.000 m to coordinate when coordinate becomes negative.

Figure 4-19. Specifications for Secondary Grids Listed in DMA TM 8358.1.


_____________________________________________________________________________________________
MCWP 3-16.7
ORIGIN FALSE ORIGIN
NAME PROJECTION ELLIPSOID LATITUDE LONGITUDE EASTING NORTHING SCALE FACTOR
Camp Fuji, Japan (Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures)
Zone VIII Transverse Mercator Bessel 36° 00’ 00.000” N 138° 30’ 00.000” W 0m 0m 0.9999
Marianas Islands
Guam Azimuthal Equidistant Clarke 1866 13° 28’ 20.879” N 144° 44’ 55.503” E 50,000.000 m 50,000.000 m
Rota Azimuthal Equidistant Clarke 1866 14° 07’ 58.861” N 145° 08’ 03.228” E 5,000.000 m 5,000.000 m
Saipan Azimuthal Equidistant Clarke 1866 15° 11’ 05.683” N 145° 44’ 29.972” E 28,657.520 m 67,199.99 m
Tinian Azimuthal Equidistant Clarke 1866 14° 56’ 05.775” N 145° 38’ 07.198” E 20,000.000 m 20,000.000 m
MCAS Iwakuni, Japan Transverse Mercator Bessel 36° 00’ 00.000” N 132° 10’ 00.000” E 0m 0m 0.9999
Okinawa, Japan Transverse Mercator Bessel 26° 00’ 00.000” N 127° 10’ 00.000” E 0m 0m 0.9999
St. Barbara Area, Republic of Korea
Central Zone Transverse Mercator Bessel 38° 00’ 00.000” N 127° 00’ 10.405” E 0m 0m 1.0 (Unity)
Subic Bay Area, Republic of the Philippines
Zone III Transverse Mercator Clarke 1866 00° 00’ 00.000” N 121° 00’ 00.000” E 500,000.000 m 0m 0.99995
Tunisia
Nord Tunisie Grid Lambert Clarke 18801 36° 00’ 00.000” N 09° 54’ 00.000” E 500,000.000 m 300,000.000 m 0.999625544
1
Clarke 1880 (French) Ellipsoid, a = 6,378,249.2 and 1/f = 293.4660208.

Figure 4-20. Specifications for Secondary Grids not Listed in DMA TM 8358.1.
Marine Artillery Survey Operations ______________________________________________________________________ 4-21

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