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Spatial Coordinates: History
Please note this is an old version of this entry, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Subjects: Geography

Spatial coordinates are numerical values used to specify the position of a point in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space within a defined coordinate system [1][2]. In geographic applications, they may represent locations using latitude and longitude, planar coordinates such as easting and northing, or three-dimensional coordinates that include height or elevation [1][3]. The meaning of coordinate values depends on the coordinate system’s axis definitions, order, units, and reference framework [1][2]. For example, latitude and longitude identify a position relative to a geographic reference system, whereas easting and northing express positions in a projected coordinate system using linear units [3][4]. Spatial coordinates support the representation, measurement, comparison, and analysis of geographic features, and coordinate operations can convert or transform coordinate values between reference systems [1][4]. Coordinate values alone are not always sufficient to identify a real-world location unambiguously; the associated coordinate reference system must also be known [1][2]. 

  • geographic coordinates
  • coordinate system
  • coordinate reference system
  • latitude
  • longitude
  • easting
  • northing
  • elevation
  • coordinate transformation

Geographic Information Systems Studies • Geography, Planning and Development • Social Sciences • Social Sciences

References

  1. Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). (2019). OGC Abstract Specification Topic 2: Referencing by Coordinates (OGC 18-005r4). https://docs.ogc.org/as/18-005r4/18-005r4.html
  2. International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (2019). ISO 19111:2019 Geographic Information — Referencing by Coordinates. https://www.iso.org/standard/74039.html
  3. Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). (2020). Volume 8: OGC CDB Spatial Reference System Guidance (Best Practice). https://docs.ogc.org/bp/16-011r5.html
  4. European Petroleum Survey Group (EPSG). Guidance Note 7: Coordinate Conversions and Transformations including Formulas. https://gdal.org/en/stable/proj_list/guid7.html
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