[surveying]
An accurately surveyed coordinate location for a physical feature that can be identified on the ground. Control points are used in least-squares analysis and adjustment as the basis for improving the spatial accuracy of all other points to which they are connected. Control points have known integrity, such as a Public Land Survey Sytem (PLSS) section corner.
A point of known accuracy used when georeferencing map data, digitizing paper map data, or performing spatial adustment operations, such as rubber sheeting.