It may not seem a lot to worry about, however the repercussions are highly significant in terms of using equipment that relies on accurate positioning data (linked to satellite navigation), e.g. devices such as mobile phones and in-vehicle navigation.

Commencing in January 2000, GDA94 was adopted as the national geodetic datum in response to a desire for the locations of mapped features to align with the geocentric reference used by GPS receivers. The accuracy of most GPS devices at the time was to approximately 10 metres.

Image from icsm.gov.au

Some twenty years later, it is time to update the national geodetic reference system again. GDA2020 reflects the latest changes to the system that underlies Australia’s location information. The GDA2020 datum changes will bring Australia’s national latitude and longitude coordinates into line with global satellite positioning systems, enabling smartphones and other positioning technologies to accurately locate features marked on our maps. It will ensure Australians continue to have access to the most accurate location-based information routinely achievable and hence, a more efficient and confident exchange of spatial information between digital systems that meets the requirements of the digital age.

Adoption of the new GDA2020 datum will require some effort by all business, industry and government agencies with an investment in spatial data, systems and processes. Areas of work controlled by regulation, such as surveys or spatial data capture under Government contract are obliged to adopt GDA2020.

Other organisations utilising spatial information should already be considering, if not already completed, their plans to changes in data, systems and practices to support the adoption of the new datum.

But what does switching from the GDA 1994 Datum to the GDA 2020 Datum entail? Is it as simple as running a projection script or is it a Bermuda Triangle that Data Engineers and GIS Analysts can get lost within?