Re: What coordinate system should I use?

My understanding is that WGS84 is defined as both a datum and a
projection - but I'm no kind of expert on these subjects. This gets to
be hard core stuff.

Anyway, WGS84 is the core of GPS and the core of everything that is
related, so stick with that. Only at the last should the coordinates
be changed to *match*something*else* - everything internal to your
project should stay WGS84.


On Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:57:50 -0500, Happy Trails <nomail@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote (with clarity & insight):

What coordinate system should I use?

I want to create some software to augment the mapping process that I
now use, with a few functions that I am not happy with as they stand.

I need to decide upon a method of calculation for the coordinates I
will use in this software.

I note that GpsMapEdit uses Lat & Lon in it's coordinates as displayed
or otherwise shown to the user. I am wondering if anyone here knows if
it also uses Lat & Lon in its internal calculations, or if it performs
any projection to some cartesian system to ensure correct geometry, or
if it uses spherical trig for calculations.

The reason I am quoting GpsMapEdit here is that it will probably be
the standard against which anything I do will be measured, or into
which any data my software produces will be integrated.

Needless to say I'd like things to match.

Any comments or suggestions as to what to use for an internal
coordinate system in my stuff? It's obvious that I will use WGS84 as
my geoid model.

Best regards

- Tom



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