| One way to think about
a datum is as a set of spatial information that acts
as a foundation for other data, just like concrete
acts as a foundation for the structure of a building,
including all the furnishings and decorations inside.Without
a datum there would be nothing to securely support
other spatial information, such as digital elevations,
land use, or population. There are two types of datums,
horizontal and vertical, that make up the National
Spatial Reference System (NSRS). Click on
the arrow on the bottom right corner of the
drawing to see a representation of how geodesists
help others construct spatial information into a
map, like designing or decorating the interior of
a building, by providing a solid foundation. To view
this animation you may need to download the Macromedia
Flash Player or you can view the Printable
version. |
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