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Definition
1. A geographic coordinate system is a three-dimensional reference system that locates points on the Earth's surface. The unit of measure is usually decimal degrees. A point has two coordinate values: latitude and longitude. Latitude and longitude measure angles.
2. A geographic coordinate system (GCS) uses a three-dimensional spherical surface to define locations on the earth. A GCS is often incorrectly called a datum, but a datum is only one part of a GCS. A GCS includes an angular unit of measure, a prime meridian, and a datum (based on a spheroid).
Abbreviation
GCS
Synonyms
Superterms
Coordinate Reference System
Subterms
Sources
http://edndoc.esri.com/arcsde/9.2/concepts/geometry/coordref/coordsys/geographic/geographic.htm (1.); http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.3/guide-books/map-projections/about-geographic-coordinate-systems.htm (2.)
Author: Thomas D.
