Figure 2-6 ECEF Ellipsoid
2-7 Geoid Separation
Geoid separation is the distance from the geoid to
the reference ellipsoid, measured along a line that is
perpendicular to the ellipsoid. It is considered positive
when the geoid lies outside the ellipsoid and negative
when the geoid lies inside the ellipsoid. See Figure
2-7. Geoid separation is labeled "N" and can also be
called Geoidal Height or Undulation of the Geoid.
Figure 2-7 Geoid Separation
2-8 Ellipsoid Height
Ellipsoid height is the distance from a point on the
earth's surface to the reference ellipsoid, measured
along a line that is perpendicular to the ellipsoid.
Ellipsoid height is labeled "h" and can be referred to as
geodetic height. See Figure 2-8.
h
ELLIPSOID
EARTHS
TOPOGRAPHY
Figure 2-8 Ellipsoid Height
2-9 h, H, and N
The relationship between ellipsoid height (h),
elevation (H), and geoid separation is shown in the
formula: h H+N. See Figure 2-9.
»
2-10 General
A DATUM is defined as "any numerical or
geometrical quantity or set of such quantities which
may serve as a reference or base for other quantities."
Two types of datums are generally considered by
surveyors: Vertical and Horizontal. When the term
datum is used by itself, it is usually referring to a
horizontal datum.
2-11 Geodetic Systems
a. A geodetic system serves as a framework for
determining coordinates on the earth's surface with
respect to a reference ellipsoid and the geoid. It
consists of both a horizontal datum and a vertical
datum.
b. Horizontal and vertical datums are generally
defined separately from each other. For example,
horizontal positions in the Korean peninsula may be
defined by the Tokyo Datum referenced to the Bessel
ellipsoid; while vertical positions are defined by the
geoid referenced to the Mean Sea Level Datum.
DRAFT
2-4
h
ELLIPSOID
EARTHS
TOPOGRAPHY
H
N
GEOID
Section III
DATUMS