[Proj] How to convert a sphere to ellipsoid with correct datum?
Heiko Klein
Heiko.Klein at met.no
Wed Sep 1 02:23:59 PDT 2010
Hi,
I'm working with meteorological model-data. The models usually use a
spherical earth. Since the resolution of the models is now ~1km, I have
to think more about converting those data for people using GIS systems.
I have only a very rough understanding of datum, geocentric and
geodetic. Up to now I've only used the ellps-parameters of proj to
describe the earth.
If I understand it correctly, a spherical earth is completely described
by the major axis, and geodetic and geocentric coordinates are the same?
Using the following does not change the coordinates
./cs2cs +proj=latlong +ellps=sphere +a=6371000 +e=0 +to +proj=latlong
+ellps=WGS84
10 60
10dE 60dN 0.000
since it calculates completely in geocentric coordinates?
Giving a WGS84 datum on both input and output gives geodetic coordinates?
/cs2cs +proj=latlong +ellps=sphere +a=6371000 +e=0 +datum=WGS84 +to
+proj=latlong +ellps=WGS84 +datum=WGS84
10 60
10dE 60d9'58.075"N 8921.648
Why should the sphere-datum be WGS84? Using NAD27 gives me geocentric
coordinates?
./cs2cs +proj=latlong +ellps=sphere +a=6371000 +e=0 +datum=NAD27 +to
+proj=latlong +ellps=WGS84 +datum=WGS84
10 60
10dE 60dN 0.000
Does there exist a correct 'datum' for a sphere? Isn't it all the same
for a sphere? Why do I have to give it at all?
If I have a measurement station with GPS coordinates, latitude and
longitude, are they geocentric or geodetic?
And the final and most important question: What is the best description
of a spherical earth to convert from with cs2cs?
Best regards,
Heiko
More information about the Proj
mailing list