Geodetic Reference systems
A geodetic reference system defines a spatial coordinates system (origin and orientation of coordinate axes) for indicating spatial positions (location, height) and gravity of points. This definition also specifies the shape, size and spatial location of the reference area (usually a rotation ellipsoid), plus (where applicable) the corresponding physical parameters of the earth’s gravity field and a map projection.
Global terrestrial reference systems
Global terrestrial reference systems are geocentric Cartesian coordinate systems with their origin in the earth's centre of gravity M. A «Conventional Terrestrial System» (CTS) has its point of origin at M, with its Z axis passing through the north pole (Conventional International Origin: CIO), its XZ plane passing through the mean zero point in Greenwich, and its Y axis completing the definition of a right-handed coordinate system.
Local reference systems
Local reference systems are national coordinate and height systems which are used for official national and cadastral surveying. They include the local reference ellipsoids and map projections with their specific national coordinate systems.
Links
- Reference frames
- Geodetic measuring method
- Transformations 3D / Position
- Transformations in height
- Online calculation services
- EUREF (Reference Frame Subcommission for Europe)
- ITRS (International Terrestrial Reference System)
- ETRS89 (European Terrestrial Reference System 89)
- IERS (International Earth Rotation Service)
Documents & Publications
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
- Tel.
- +41 58 469 01 11
Relevant authority
Geodesy and Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying