INDIAN GEODETIC

DATUMS HORIZONTAL AND

VERTICAL
MAJ GEN(DR) B. NAGARAJAN
ADDITIONAL SURVEYOR GENERAL
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SURVEYING & MAPPING
SURVEY OF INDIA

INTRODUCTION

NEW MAPPING POLICY

VERTICAL DATUM

MAP PROJECTIONS

DISCUSSIONS

EARTH AS WE SEE FROM SPACE

ACTUAL SHAPE OF EARTH

INDIA

CG

Geoid Best Fitting Local ellipsoid and Geocentric

Ellipsoid

Ye

Geocentric & Locally Best Fitting

Zw
Ellipsoids
Ze

P(X,Y,Z)

(,,h)

Geoid

Globally Fitting
Ellipsoid

CG

Yw

Locally Best
Fitting Ellipsoid

Xw

Xe

Translations - x, y, z
Rotations - x, y, z
Scale
- s

Representation of a point
Horizontal : Ellipsoid
Vertical

: Geoid

Relationships between the earth's

surface, the geoid and a reference

PRESENT COORDINATE
SYSTEM IN USE

EVEREST ELLIPSOID
Everest is a Locally best fitting ellipsoid.
In India the horizontal co-ordinates are
computed on the Everest Spheroid.
Semi-major axis is having an error of 1 km.
Origin of the co-ordinates has been taken as
Kalianpur.

GLOBALLY ACCEPTED DATUM

The system which is truly universal is satellite

based, as Global Positioning System (GPS).
This is Geo-centric Ellipsoid.

Need of Switchover
from EVEREST to
WGS-84 Ellipsoid

Use of GPS becomes easier as its co-ordinates are

referred to in WGS -84.
Updation of maps using Satellite Imageries like that
from IRS, IKONOS, Quick Bird etc. becomes easier
as the satellite parameters are also referred to in
geocentric reference frame.
Open Series maps being published by SOI are based
on WGS-84 ellipsoid on UTM projection.
Observations using satellite missions like Galileo,
Glonass can also be made use of.
All the guided missile systems, latest state-of-theart weaponry are based on geocentric co-ordinate
system, it becomes mandatory for us also to switch
over to similar co-ordinate system.

METHODS TO REALISE GEOCENTRIC

CO-ORDINATES
1. Using Transformation Parameters
2. Redefining and Transforming Horizontal Datum
3. Re-observing in Entirely New co-ordinate System
(ITRF)

Using Transformation Parameters

Already available co-ordinates in Everest

Spheroid can be transformed to WGS-84 by
using transformation parameters, already
determined.
These transformed co-ordinates will be
suitable only for Mapping on small scale like
1:25,000 or 1: 50,000 scales.
Using this technique switching over to WGS84 co-ordinate system can be completed by
mid of year 2007.

Redefining and transforming Horizontal Datum

2 D adjustment of the horizontal datum is

already over.
This data coupled with deflection of vertical
and GPS data (WGS-84 co-ordinates) will be
used for redefining horizontal datum. e.g.,
NAD-27 to NAD-83.
For this training of SOI personnel on software
already available in any advance country will
be required.
Time required to complete the job will by the
end of year 2007.

Re-observing in entirely new system (WGS-84)

For GCP Library, 300 stations with Primary Control

will be available only by 2006.
The Primary Control will be densified further by
establishing 2200 stations.
This data will be adjusted and then made available
for mapping purposes.
Process is time consuming.
This also depends on the availability of Funds.
Advantage of old available data will not be utilised.
Time required to complete the job will be next 8-10
years

GCP LIBRARY
ANKARA
LHASA

DIEGO GARCIA

GCP LIBRARY ON WEBSITE OF

GEODETIC & RESEARCH BRANCH
http://www.gandrb.in
Sl.
No.

NAME OF GEO-SPATIAL
DATA CENTRE

LOCAL ADDRESS OF THE CONCERNED GDC

NO.
OF
GCP'S

1.

ANDHRA PRADESH

SURVEY OF INDIA, CST & MP campus, Uppal,

HYDERABAD-500039
Fax: 040-27206064 & 27200359
E-mail : hyd2_dssecsoi@sancharnet.in

22

2.

ASSAM & NAGALAND

SURVEY OF INDIA,GANESHGURI,CHARIALI
GUWAHATI-781006
Fax-0361-2261725
E-mail : soi35p@gw1.dot.net.in

10

3.

BIHAR

SURVEY OF INDIA,Ramnagar House,Anandpuri

West,Boring Canal Road,
PATNA-800001
Fax-0612-2271780
E-mail : soi75pty@dte.vsnl.net.in

09

4.

CHHATTISGARH

SURVEY OF INDIA,Idgah Bhata,near water

Tank,P.O. Sundernagar
RAIPUR-492001
Fax-0771-2227250
E-mail : surveyin@bom6.bsnl.net.in

09

5.

GUJARAT,DAMAN & DIU

SURVEY OF INDIA, Motor Bales & Service

Building, Ashram Road,
AHMEDABAD-380009
Fax-079-26576696
E-mail : no6partywc@hclinfinet.com

22

Tinsukia
Sibsagar
Chariduarr
Kokrajhar

Golaghat
Guwahati
Lumding

Silchar

Tuensang
Kohima

TUENSANG
LATITUDE: 26 14' 06"
LONGITUDE: 94 47' 46"
DESCRIPTION
A brass punched on an iron angle fixed in a concrete pillar of 1ft. x 1ft. and 0.5 m above the
ground level. The GCP pillar is situated inside the campus of 3 rd Battalion, Nagaland Armed
Police, Tuensang, Kohima. It is situated at the south eastpart on top of a hillock and extremr
southern end of the playground and 18 m west of the south east corner of the unit High School. It is
best approachable from north side of the playground.
The GCP pillar falls in the town of Tuensang,District Tuensang,Nagaland state.
Ration,Transport, Medical,water and camping facilities are available near the GCP pillar.
SKETCH

NEW MAPPING POLICY

Open Series Maps

Defence Series Maps
Switchover from Everest Co-ordinate
System to Geocentric Co-ordinate
System (ITRF). ITRF / GRS 80 ellipsoid.
Survey of India took a conscious
decision to go for Geocentric Reference
Frame.

OSM Series:
Polyconic / Everest UTM / WGS84
DSM Series:
Polyconic / Everest LCC / WGS84

OSM Series:
Polyconic / Everest UTM / WGS84
DSM Series:
Polyconic / Everest LCC / WGS84

VERTICAL DATUM

EXISTING & PROPOSED

VERAVAL

CHANDIPUR GARDEN REACH

DIAMOND HARBOUR

MAGDALLA

HALDIA
SAGAR
JAIGARH

NIZAMPATNAM
ENNORE
BEYPORE
ANDROTH

AERIAL BAY

PONDICHERRY

RAMESHWARAM
KANNIYAKUMARI
CAMPBELL BAY

EXISTING TIDE GAUGE STATIONS

PROPOSED TIDE GAUGE STATIONS

BENCH MARK

HEIGHT OF BENCH
MARK ABOVE
MEAN SEA LEVEL
WAVE HIGH WATER

LOW WATER

MEAN SEA LEVEL

HEIGHT
OF
BENCH
MARK ABOVE TIDEPOLE
ZERO
TIDE POLE ZERO

NEW GENERATION WATER LEVEL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

PRESSURE SENSOR
TIDE GAUGE

FLOAT TYPE
TIDE GAUGE

BEDPLATE
BENCH MARK
HEIGHT
OF
BENCH
MARK
ABOVE
TIDE
GAUGE ZERO

HEIGHT OF BENCH
MARK ABOVE
MEAN SEA LEVEL

WAVE HIGH WATER

LOW WATER

HEIGHT OF
BED PLATE
ABOVE
ZERO OF
TIDE
GAUGE

MEAN SEA LEVEL

ZERO OF PRESSURE SENSOR
STILLING WELL

NEW GENERATION WATER LEVEL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

OBSERVATIONS USING
AUTOMATIC TIDE
GAUGES

HEIGHT

Data Extraction

4.0
m
3.0
m
2.0 m
1.0 m
0.0
m

MEAN SEA LEVEL

CHART DATUM
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24

TIME (Hour)

EARTH
SURFACE

H
H

h
GEOID

h
N

ELLIPSOID

N+H=h
N IS THE GEOIDAL SEPARATION WHICH VARIES
H IS ORTHOMETRIC HEIGHT
h IS THE ELLIPSOID ELEVATION

To Convert h to H you need N.

The Accuracy of Elevations
Depend on how well you know N.

GEOID UNDULATION MAP OF INDIA

GEOID UNDULATION COMPUTED USING OSU 91A MODEL USING

ONLY UPTO DEGREE 100 COEFFICIENTS
UNDULATIONS REFER TO GRS 80 REFERENCE ELLIPSOID

MSL & Ellipsoidal Heights

A

h1

B
h2

H1

h2 > h1
H1 > H2

H2

MSL
ELLIPSOID

Heights by Satellite Altimeter is Ellipsoidal Height

Projection

Transformation of Three Dimensional Space

onto a two dimensional map
A systematic arrangement of intersecting lines
on a plane that represent and have a one to one
correspondence to the meridians and parallels
on the datum surface

Classification

A) Based on Extrinsic property

Nature:
Plane, Cone, Cylinder

Coincidence:
Tangent, Secant, Polysuperficial

Position:
Normal, Transverse, Oblique

Classification contd.

B) Based on Intrinsic Property

Property of Projection:

Equidistant
Conformal or Orthomorphic
Equivalent or Equal area

Generation:
Geometric, Semi Geometric, Mathematical

Azimuthal Projections

Cylindrical Projections

Transverse

Tangent

Secant
Oblique

Conic Projections

Cylindrical Map Projections

Cylindrical map projections are made by

projecting from the globe onto the surface
of an enclosing cylinder, and then
unwrapping the cylinder to make a flat
surface

Mercator
Transverse Mercator
Cassini-Soldner

Mercator Projection

Cylindrical, Conformal
Meridians are equally spaced straight lines
Parallels are unequally spaced straight
lines
Scale is true along the equator
Great distortion of area in polar region
Used for navigation

REGULAR CYLINDRICAL PROJECTION:

THE MERCATOR

Transverse Mercator Projection

Cylindrical (Transverse)
Conformal
Central meridian and equator are straight
lines
Other meridians and parallels are complex
curves
Used extensively for quadrangle maps at
scales from 1:24,000 to 1:250,000
For areas with larger north-south extent
than east-west extent

TRANSVERSE CYLINDRICAL PROJECTION:

THE TRANSVERSE MERCATOR

Cassini- Soldener Projection

Cylindrical, Tangent, Transverse

Equidistant
Cylinder is tangent along the meridian centrally
located
Scale deteriorates away from central meridian
Normally used in 70 km belt from the central
meridian, as linear distortion factor at 70 km is
1.00006
Used for old cadastral surveys in India.

CASSINI-SOLDENER PROJECTION

Conic Projections

For a conic projection, the projection

surface is cone shaped

Locations are projected onto the surface

of the cone which is then unwrapped and
laid flat

LCC PROJECTION

Lambert Conformal Conic Projection

Conical, Conformal
Parallels are concentric arcs
Meridians are straight lines cutting parallels at
right angles.
Scale is true along two standard parallels,
normally, or along just one.
It projects a great circle as a straight line much
better than Mercator
Used for maps of countries and regions with
predominant east west expanse
Used for plane coordinate system (SPCS) in
USA

LCC PROJECTION

Three partial equidistant conic maps, each based on a different

standard parallel, therefore wrapped on a different tangent cone (shown
on the right with a quarter removed plus tangency parallels). When the
number of cones increases to infinity, each strip infinitesimally narrow,
the result is a continuous polyconic projection

Polyconic Projection

In this projection all parallels are projected

without any distortion
Scale is exact along each parallel and central
meridian.
Parallels are arcs of circles but are not
concentric.
It is neither conformal nor equal area.

Polyconic Projection

contd.

Central meridian and equator are straight lines;

all other meridians are curves.
Central Meridian cuts all parallels at 90 degrees
Free of distortion only along the central
meridian.
It has rolling fit with adjacent sheets in EW
direction.
Used in India for all topographical mapping on
1:250,000 and larger scales.

Azimuthal Projections

For an azimuthal, or planar projection,

locations are projected forward onto a flat
plane.
The normal aspect for these projections is
the North or South Pole.

Scale Error = True Distance Grid Distance

Grid Distance = True Distance * Scale Factor

Scale Error for Lambert Grid = 1 / 824

Scale Factor = 1 1 / 824 = 823 / 824 = 0.99878

False Northing and False Easting

Calculating coordinates is easier if

negative number arent involved.
State Plane and Universal transverse
Mercator coordinates
Expressed in coordinate units, not
degrees.

SPECIFYING AN ORIGIN SHIFT:

THE FALSE EASTING AND FALSE NORTHING

Universal Transverse Mercator

Particular case of Transverse Mercator Projection.

The earth between latitudes 84 N and 80 S, is
divided into 60, 6 wide;
Latitude origin the equator
Assumed (false) northing (y): 0 metres for northern
hemisphere; 10,000,000 metres for southern
hemisphere
Assumed (false) easting (x): 500,000 metres; scale
factor at the central meridian: 0.9996

Universal Polar Stereographic

(UPS)

Defined above 84 degrees north latitude

and 80 degree south
Conformal
Meridians are straight lines
Parallels are circles
Scale increases from center point
Used in conformal mapping of polar
regions

State Plane Coordinates

Lambert Conformal Conic Projections are

used for rectangular zones with a larger
east-west than north south extent.
Transverse Mercator projections are used
to define zones with a larger north-south
extent.
One State Plane zone in Alaska uses an
oblique Mercator projection.

Projection Parameters

To define the coordinate system

completely, it is not sufficient simply to
name the kind of projection used, it is also
necessary to specify the projection
parameters.
The set of parameters required depends
on the kind of projection.
The central meridian of the projection for
cylindrical, where it touches the ellipsoid
surface.

Projection Parameters

contd.

The standard parallel(s) for conic

projections.
The false easting and false northing
The units
Reference ellipsoid

Choosing a map Projection

The choice of map projection is made

to give the most accurate possible
representation of the geographic
information, given that some
distortion is inevitable. The choice
depends on:
The location
Shape
Size of the region to be mapped
The theme or purpose of the map

MODERNISATION OF INDIAN
TIDE-GAUGE NETWORK

INDIAN TIDE-GAUGE
NETWORK

GPS receivers are being deployed to segregate

the sea level rise from that of possible
subsidence or upheaval of the land mass.
Both tidal and GPS data are being transmitted
in real time from the remote locations and
received through dedicated VSAT network, at
the central hub installed at National Tidal Data
Centre (NTDC) / National GPS Data Centre
located at Geodetic & Research Branch,
Survey of India, Dehra Dun.

A 5.2 m VSAT antenna

has been installed at
National
Tidal
Data
Centre, Dehradun to
receive tidal and GPS
data on real time. Tide
gauge stations has been
provided with 2.4 m
VSAT
antennas
for
transmission
of
this
data. Redundant power
supply through UPS has
also been arranged.

GPS data is being encrypted at

remote
locations
(Tidal
Observatories) and decrypted at
central hub.
Tidal and GPS data are being
analysed in the real time to
identify any possible signatures
related to the tsunami and storm
surge.

SATELLITE

TIDE GAUGE STATION

SOLAR PANEL

DISASTER CONTROL STATION

VSAT ANTENNA

TSUNAMI WARNING

NATIONAL TIDAL DATA CENTRE

VSAT ANTENNA GPS ANTENNA

TIDE GAUGE
GPS
RECEIVER

NATIONAL GPS DATA CENTRE

STILLING WELL

REAL TIME DATA TRANSMISSION

FROM TIDE GAUGE STATION
T
T
E

Phase I (Completed)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)

Paradip
Visakhapatnam
Tuticorin
Cochin
Port Blair
Kandla
Ennore
Marmagao
Kavaratti
Haldia
Machilipatnam
Chennai
Nancowry
Minicoy

Phase II (Completed)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)

Vadinar
Okha
Porbandar
Veraval
JNPT
Karwar
New Mangalore
Campbell Bay
Aerial Bay
Hugli Point

Phase III
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)

Garden Reach
Nagapattinam
Krishnapatnam
Kakinada
Androth
Gopalpur
Cuddalore
Kanyakumari
Rameshwaram
Beypore
Jaigarh

Sl. No.

PORT NAME

VSAT

PTG

GPS

CTG

Marmagao

Visakhapatnam

Paradip

Cochin

Port Blair

Kandla

Ennore

Tuticorin

10

Haldia

11

Machilipatnam

12

Chennai

13

Nancowry

14

Minicoy

15

Okha

16

Porbander

17

Veraval

18

Karwar

19

New Mangalore

20

JNPT

21

Vadinar

22

Campbell Bay

8
9

Kavaratti

NIOT-PTG

DISCUSSIONS

Email ID: ngeoid@Yahoo.com