Geodetic latitude, longitude and reference systems
A coordinate pair needs a reference surface, origin and convention.
Key knowledge
Geodetic latitude measures the angle between the reference ellipsoid's normal and its equatorial plane; longitude measures the angle from a specified reference meridian. A coordinate is meaningful with its coordinate reference system and, when relevant, epoch. Geodetic latitude is distinct from the geocentric angle measured from Earth's center.
Conditions and scope
- Identify the datum/reference frame, ellipsoid, angular units and longitude convention.
- The definition uses an ellipsoidal reference, not a claim that Earth's terrain or geoid is exactly an ellipsoid.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Inspected Ordnance Survey §§1.2 and 3.1.1, printed pp.6 and 12, latitude/longitude and reference-system definitions, and NOAA reference-system paragraphs. No national transformation algorithms or present-day datum replacement schedules are certified.
2026-10-10 · Independent Mathematics and Information editor (/root/core_math_information). Independent AI editorial review of this entry's statements, equations, applicability conditions and source coverage. Source checks apply to these claims within their stated limits.
Entry details
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- foundation-earth-geodetic-coordinates
- Revision
- foundations-refresh.1
- Structured reference record
- Foundational reference additions