A to Z GIS | Explore this related guide, featuring updated terms and graphics and developed in coordination with Esri’s GIS Dictionary team.
Learn more about A to Z GIS
GIS Dictionary
Browse dictionary
geographic transformation
URL copiedShare URL
[coordinate systems, data conversion]
A systematic conversion of coordinates from one geographic coordinate system to equivalent values in another. Typically, equations are used to model the position and orientation of the source and target systems in three-dimensional coordinate space, adjusting for differences in the size, shape, and orientation of the earth between coordinate systems, as well as the position and orientation of the coordinate axes; transformation parameters may include translation, rotation, and rescaling.