World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)
Technical Details & Mathematical Formulation
Defined with its origin at the Earth center of mass, semi-major axis $a = 6,378,137.0\text{ m}$, inverse flattening $1/f = 298.257223563$, and geocentric gravitational constant $GM = 3.986004418 \times 10^{14}\text{ m}^3/\text{s}^2$.
b = a(1 - f) = 6356752.314245\text{ m}Test real-world coordinates and calculate live results in browser.
Related Geodetic Concepts
People Also Ask About World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)
Answers to key questions, technical definitions, and practical geodetic applications.
QWhat does the term "World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)" mean?
WGS84 (EPSG:4326) is the international geodetic reference system and datum maintained by the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and used globally by GPS satellites, smartphones, and web GIS.
QWhat is the mathematical or technical basis of World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)?
Defined with its origin at the Earth center of mass, semi-major axis $a = 6,378,137.0\text{ m}$, inverse flattening $1/f = 298.257223563$, and geocentric gravitational constant $GM = 3.986004418 \times 10^{14}\text{ m}^3/\text{s}^2$.
QHow do professionals use World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) in GIS and surveying?
Cartographers, geospatial software engineers, and navigators utilize World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) to guarantee mathematical precision and consistent spatial reference frames across global datasets.
QWhich category of geodesy does World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) belong to?
This concept is cataloged under the "Geodesy & Datums" domain in the GeoMap Suite cartographic knowledge index.
QCan I test or calculate World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) on GeoMap Suite?
Yes. You can test live coordinates and see practical examples using our companion Latitude Longitude Finder tool.
QWhat are key concepts related to World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)?
Directly related terms include Reference Ellipsoid, NAD83 Datum.