Geodetic Reference Datums and Local Coordinate Systems 

Approved Florida Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers – Course No. 7587

Course Description:

This correspondence course provides guidance on geodetic reference datums, coordinate systems, and local horizontal and vertical reference systems that are used to georeference construction and civil works projects. Use of State Plane Coordinate Systems (SPCS) is covered in detail, Transformations between datums and coordinate systems are discussed. The course teaches skills needed in the practice of surveying and mapping. The course is based on Chapter 5 (Geodetic Reference Datums and Local Coordinate Systems) of the Department of the Army publication (EM 1110-1-1005) dated January 1, 2007, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers entitled "Engineering and Design Control and Topographic Surveying".

Course Topics:

Datums

Coordinate Systems

Geoid Modeling

Transformations and Conversions

Course Objectives:

The objective of "Geodetic Reference Datums and Local Coordinate Systems HS" is to provide information that will assist the surveyor in using and understanding geodetic reference datums and local coordinate systems for use in surveying and mapping applications.

Evaluation Method:

A written examination will be used to determine if the course objectives have been met. The student must achieve a minimum of 70 percent correct answers in order to receive continuing education credit.

Course Outline

1. Purpose and Background

2. Geodetic Reference Systems

General Information

Geodetic Coordinates

Datums

WGS 84 Reference Ellipsoid

Horizontal Datums and Reference Frames

3. Horizontal Coordinate Systems

General Information

Geographic Coordinates

State Plane Coordinate Systems

Grid Elevations, Scale Factors, and Convergence

Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinate System

The U.S. Military Grid-Reference System

U.S. National Grid System

Chainage-Offset Coordinate Systems

Datum Conversions and Transformation Methods

Horizontal Transition Plan from NAD 27 to NAD 83

4. Vertical Reference Systems

National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD)

North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD)

Other Vertical reference Datums and Planes

Orthometric Elevations

WGS 84 Ellipsoidal Heights

Geoid Undulations and Geoid Models

Vertical Datum Transformations