A coordinate system provides a consistent way to represent locations in space. It defines the framework of mathematical rules so that coordinates can be assigned to a position and uniquely identify it.
On this site you can find:
- projections (cartesian coordinates), which use perpendicular axes: eastings (E), northings (N), and sometimes up (U)
- datums (geographic coordinates), which use latitude (ϕ), longitude (λ), ellipsoidal height (H), and sometimes time (t)
- vertical datums (vertical coordinates), which use normal-orthometric height (h).
Data that uses different coordinate systems must be converted to a common coordinate system before it can be combined. This can be done in spatial data software or by using tools like the online coordinate converter.
Read more about the online coordinate converter
If you are unsure which datum or projection your data is related to, you can check using our tool to infer coordinate type.
To use this:
- open the online coordinate converter
- click on either of the two ‘Not sure?’ buttons to open a new window
- enter an example coordinate and see what (and where) it might be.