Datum May 2026

Defines the origin and orientation of latitude and longitude. Examples include WGS 84 , used by GPS devices worldwide.

In geography and surveying, a datum is a mathematical model used to represent the Earth's surface for coordinate systems. Defines the origin and orientation of latitude and longitude

Across different industries, the term "datum" takes on specialized meanings, acting as a critical reference point that ensures accuracy, from the alignment of machine parts to the mapping of the entire Earth. 1. Geodetic and Mapping Datums Across different industries, the term "datum" takes on

In mechanical engineering, a datum is a theoretical plane, line, or point used as a reference for dimensions and tolerances. ScienceDirect.com ScienceDirect

In its simplest sense, a is a single piece of information—a single starting point. While we often talk about "data," the datum is the individual building block from which all larger datasets are constructed.

Some datums, like GDA2020 in Australia, are "plate-fixed" and don't change with tectonic motion, while others are time-dependent to account for the Earth's shifting crust. 2. Engineering and Manufacturing

A reference surface (like mean sea level) used for measuring elevations or depths.