Geodetic Product Details
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ASCM ID Cards
Contain detailed information on individual ASCMs, including horizontal position, elevation, gravity field data, location
description, adjacent marker information and revision history. ASCM ID cards are only available on the North American Datum
1983 (NAD83) datum.
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ASCM Multiple Listings
Consist of a two-line summary per marker, with up to 17 markers per page per map sheet. Details include horizontal position,
elevation, marker number and scale factor. Multiple listings do not include marker location description or adjacent marker
information. Multiple listings are available on the NAD83 and North American Datum 1927 (NAD27) datum.
Index Cards are available through Alberta Registries online Spatial Information (SPIN) System website at:
Rural Index Maps
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ASCM Index Maps
Digital format only providing a graphical representation of ASCMs on a 1:250,000 or 1:20,000 scale base map.
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1:250,000
Fifty rural maps based on the National Topographic System (NTS) map grid and identified by latitude and longitude of the
southeast corner (i.e., 53112, 58118 etc.)
For a list of downloadable rural index map, see ASCM Rural Index Maps section below.
Urban Municipalities Index Maps
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1:20,000
Seventy-three urban municipalities are available, each contained within one map sheet (with the exception of Edmonton, which
contains nine map sheets, and Calgary, which contains 12 map sheets.)
FFor a list of downloadable urban municipalities index map, see ACM Urban Index Maps section below.
Sample of Index Maps
Geodetic Fact Sheets
The Surveys and Technical Services Section, Geodetic Control Unit has published the following one-page fact sheets.
For more information about geodetic control products, contact:
Alberta Survey Control (ASC) Product Manual
The Surveys and Technical Services Section (STS) is a Section within the Dispositions and Technical Services Branch, Lands
Division of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Under the authority of the Surveys Act, STS establishes and maintains
the survey control component of the provincial spatial referencing system. This component includes a network of several
thousand durable markers set permanently in the ground at an appropriate spacing throughout Alberta.
Coordinates and other Albert Survey Control Marker (ASCM) attributes are maintained by STS and are available in the form
of specific products.
The ASC product manual describes three of the products available from STS:
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ASCM identification (ID) card
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ASCM Multiple Listing
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ASCM Preliminary ID card
These products are generated from the Multipurpose Alberta Survey Control Operations and Tasks (MASCOT) system. The MASCOT
system also includes software to support the maintenance, densification and extension of the provincial spatial referencing
system.
For more information about the ASC Product Manual, contact:
Guidelines for Alberta Survey Control Using GPS
This manual is a primary reference for municipalities and contractors who wish to establish and integrate survey control
markers into the provincial spatial referencing system. The manual is a recompilation and update of the previous Specifications,
Standards & Guidelines for Alberta Survey Control, (Chapter 5: GPS Surveys), August 28, 1992.
The specifications and guidelines contained in the manual are intended for surveys of the Alberta Survey Control (ASC) network
(provincial spatial referencing system) using the Global Positioning System (GPS). These specifications and guidelines have
been developed to provide the information necessary to achieve two- and three-dimensional, second-order relative positioning
using GPS.
For more information about the Alberta Survey Control, contact:
ASCM Condition Report
The Surveys Act and pursuant regulations require that Alberta Land Surveyors complete and certify an Alberta Survey Control
Marker Condition Report form when dealing with Alberta Survey Control Markers (ASCMs).
You can download the form manually or digitally: complete the form, sign it, then mail or fax it to:
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Lands Division
Dispositions and Technical Services Branch
Surveys and Technical Services Section
Geodetic Control Unit
15th Floor - Oxbridge Place
9820 - 106 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6
Phone: (780) 422 1291 Fax: (780) 427-1493
For more information about the ASCM Condition Report, contact:
ASCM Rural Index Maps
The scanned Alberta Survey Control Marker (ASCM) index maps were created from the mylar-format ASCM index maps within the
Surveys Technical Services (STS) Section, Land Dispositions Branch, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
ASCM index maps are a graphical representation of the provincial spatial referencing system. The index maps display the
location of integrated ASCMs in relation to various base mapping features, including:
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Airports
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The Alberta Township System
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Geo-administrative boundaries (municipal and Canada lands)
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Hydrography
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Railways
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Road networks
In addition, index maps covering urban areas include street names and major facilities such as schools and hospitals. Only
those markers with a marker condition of GOOD or ANOMALOUS are displayed on the index maps.
The index maps have been scanned and are available free of charge from the Surveys Technical Services Section. For more
information, contact:
Disclaimer
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The distribution of this digital data is provided as a service to the user and is under copyright to the Government of Alberta.
-
Redistribution of the data in whole or in part, whether alone or part of a value added product, is not permitted without
the prior written consent of the Dispositions and Technical Services Branch on behalf of the Minister of Alberta Sustainable
Resource Development, Government of Alberta.
-
In view of the dated nature of the data, it is the responsibility of the user of the data to advise users of the age and
status of the data if the Minister permits the user to provide the data to other users.
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The user agrees that the data and each part thereof, any formatting or presentation thereof, any storage media on which
it is provided, and any communication of any kind, incidental or in relation thereto, are provided to the user by the Minister
and the Crown without warranty or representation as to any matter including but not limited to whether the data and storage
media are correct, accurate or free from error, defect, danger, or hazard, and whether they are otherwise useful or suitable
for any use the user may make of them.
-
The Crown in right of Alberta, the Minister and their employees and agents, shall not be liable for any claims, costs, losses,
or damages, including any special, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage, which the user may incur or experience
as a result of the use or possession of the data or associated storage media.
Format and File Size of Scanned ASCM Index Maps
The format of the scanned ASCM index maps is a TIFF (Tagged Image Format) file. The images can be viewed and printed using
a number of different software packages. Users must use their own software to view and print the scanned ASCM index map
images.
The size of the image files varies from 0.05 MB to 3.8 MB. Approximately 88% of the image files have a size less than or
equal to 1.5 MB. The large image files are typically for detailed index maps.
Scanned and Last Revision Dates
On the lower right-hand side of each image are two dates: the first is the scanned date (December 2000 or January 2001),
and the second is the last revised date (YYYY-MM-DD). Typically, the last revised is date is the date on which either
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an ASCM was removed because the marker was destroyed, or
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a new ASCM was been added
On some index maps, the original production date of the mylar is also shown in the lower right-hand corner. This production
date gives the year, month, and day (YY/MM/DD). The ASCM index maps were originally produced between 1988 and 1994; therefore,
some or all of the base map information shown on any index map on this page may be incorrect.
Special Cases of Scanned ASCM Index Maps
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Canal Rehabilitation (ASCM Index Map 50112)
To ensure the completeness of ASCM index map information, a detail of the Canal Rehabilitation area within the 50112 rural
index map has been included with the rural index map images. The Canal Rehabilitation area includes Townships 21, 22, and
23 and Ranges 26 and 27, all West of the 4th Meridian. The image is identified as
50112_CANAL_REHAB.TIF.
Each file below contains a Readme text file and the associated index map image. These are compressed files: you will need
special software to decompress them.
Placing the cursor over the image will provide the filename and size. To download the file, place your cursor over the file.
Click the right mouse button and choose Save Target As…
50112_CANAL_REHAB.zip
ASCM Urban Index Maps
The scanned Alberta Survey Control Marker (ASCM) index maps were created from the mylar-format ASCM index maps within the
Surveys Technical Services (STS) Section, Land Dispositions Branch, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
ASCM index maps are a graphical representation of the provincial spatial referencing system. The index maps display the
location of integrated ASCMs in relation to various base mapping features, including:
-
Airports
-
The Alberta Township System
-
Geo-administrative boundaries (municipal and Canada lands)
-
Hydrography
-
Railways
-
Road networks
In addition, index maps covering urban areas include street names and major facilities such as schools and hospitals. Only
those markers with a marker condition of GOOD or ANOMALOUS are displayed on the index maps.
The index maps have been scanned and are available free of charge from the Surveys Technical Services Section. For more
information, or contact:
Disclaimer
-
The distribution of this digital data is provided as a service to the user and is under copyright to the Government of Alberta.
-
Redistribution of the data in whole or in part, whether alone or part of a value added product, is not permitted without
the prior written consent of the Dispositions and Technical Services Branch on behalf of the Minister of Alberta Sustainable
Resource Development, Government of Alberta.
-
In view of the dated nature of the data, it is the responsibility of the user of the data to advise users of the age and
status of the data if the Minister permits the user to provide the data to other users.
-
The user agrees that the data and each part thereof, any formatting or presentation thereof, any storage media on which
it is provided, and any communication of any kind, incidental or in relation thereto, are provided to the user by the Minister
and the Crown without warranty or representation as to any matter including but not limited to whether the data and storage
media are correct, accurate or free from error, defect, danger, or hazard, and whether they are otherwise useful or suitable
for any use the user may make of them.
-
The Crown in right of Alberta, the Minister and their employees and agents, shall not be liable for any claims, costs, losses,
or damages, including any special, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage, which the user may incur or experience
as a result of the use or possession of the data or associated storage media.
Format and File Size of Scanned ASCM Index Maps
The format of the scanned ASCM index maps is a TIFF (Tagged Image Format) file. The images can be viewed and printed using
a number of different software packages. Users must use their own software to view and print the scanned ASCM index map
images.
The size of the image files varies from 0.05 MB to 3.8 MB. Approximately 88% of the image files have a size less than or
equal to 1.5 MB. The large image files are typically for detailed index maps.
Scanned and Last Revision Dates
On the lower right-hand side of each image are two dates: the first is the scanned date (December 2000 or January 2001),
and the second is the last revised date (YYYY-MM-DD). Typically, the last revised is date is the date on which either
-
An ASCM was removed because the marker was destroyed, or
-
A new ASCM was been added
On some index maps, the original production date of the mylar is also shown in the lower right-hand corner. This production
date gives the year, month, and day (YY/MM/DD). The ASCM index maps were originally produced between 1988 and 1994; therefore,
some or all of the base map information shown on any index map on this page may be incorrect.
Special Cases of Scanned ASCM Index Maps
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The Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat ASCM Index Maps a
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Fort McMurray
The Fort McMurray index map consists of FORT_MCMURRAY_UPPER.TIF, FORT_MCMURRAY_LOWER.TIF, and FORT_MCMURRAY.TIF. Most of
Fort McMurray is included in the UPPER image. The scanning date and last revised date are included in the LOWER image.
Both the UPPER and LOWER images have been included in the image data set. Also, the STS Branch has combined the UPPER and
LOWER images to create a single TIFF image showing the whole Fort McMurray index map. There may be some distortion in the
FORT_MCMURRAY.TIF image.
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Medicine Hat
Similar to Fort McMurray, the Medicine Hat index map is divided into MEDICINE_HAT_LEFT.TIF and MEDICINE_HAT_RIGHT.TIF. The
majority of the Medicine Hat index map is included in the LEFT image. The scanning date and last revised date are included
in the RIGHT image.
Both the LEFT and RIGHT images have been included, along with a combined image (MEDICINE_HAT.TIF - produced by STS Branch),
in the data set. There may be some distortion in the MEDICINE_HAT.TIF image.
Each file below contains a Readme text file and the associated index map image. These are compressed files: you will need
special software to decompress them.
Placing the cursor over the image will provide the filename and size. To download the file, place your cursor over the file.
Click the right mouse button and choose Save Target As…
Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) Baseline Guidelines
The Geodetic Control Unit issues two key documents:
The Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) Calibration Baseline Lengths listings give the pillar-to-pillar (slope distance)
baseline length values for the four EDM calibration baselines in Alberta (Lethbridge, Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie).
These values are based on precise measurement and adjustment undertaken by Geodetic Survey Division of Geomatics Canada
(NRCan). All of the baselines are re-measured and adjusted, and new values published on a five-year basis. Please note that
on each listing, there is an adopted date that signifies when the slope distances were formally published by Director of
Surveys and Technical Services.
The Guidelines for Electronic Distance Measurement Calibration Baseline Surveys in Alberta describe the four Electronic
Distance Measurement (EDM) calibration baselines in the province of Alberta, as well as how to undertake an EDM calibration
baseline survey. The guidelines have been developed to assist users in verifying that their EDM equipment is working within
the EDM manufacturer's stated specification for scale error and constant error. They also include requirements for submission
of EDM calibration survey data to Surveys and Technical Services Section for evaluation.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
All users of the Alberta EDM calibration baselines are responsible for any damages to any property (public or private) that
may occur when using the baselines. In addition, users should exercise normal traffic safety precautions while conducting
calibration surveys. Any damage or activities which may result in damage to the baseline must be reported to Director of
Surveys and Technical Services.
Those persons who require further information on Alberta's EDM calibration baselines can contact:
NAD27 ASCM Listings
Only those markers who published NAD27 coordinate values on or before May 31, 1994, have been included in these North American
Datum 1927 (NAD27) coordinate listings for Alberta Survey Control Markers (ASCMs).
Note:
ASCMs integrated into the provincial spatial referencing system after May 31, 1994, contain integrated North American Datum
1983 (NAD83) coordinate values only. Therefore, no transformed (NAD83 to NAD27) coordinated values are included in the listings
for these markers. However, users can derive NAD27 coordinate values by transforming integrated NAD83 geographic or Transverse
Mercator coordinates to NAD27 using the National Transformation version 2.0 (NTV2). For further information on the NTV2
or for technical assistance or additional information on the data files, contact:
Disclaimer
-
The distribution of this digital data is provided as a service to the user and is under copyright to the Government of Alberta.
-
Redistribution of the data, in whole or in part, whether alone or as part of a value-added product, is not permitted without
the prior written consent of the Dispositions and Technical Services Branch on behalf of the Minister of Alberta Sustainable
Resource Development, Government of Alberta.
-
In view of the dated nature of the data, it is the responsibility of the user of the data to advise users of the age and
status of the data if the Minister permits the user to provide the data to other users.
-
The user agrees that the data and each part thereof, any formatting or presentation thereof, any storage media on which
it is provided, and any communication of any kind, incidental or in relation thereto, is provided to the user by the Minister
and the Crown without warranty or representation as to any matter including but not limited to whether the data and storage
media is correct, accurate or free from error, defect, danger, or hazard, and whether it is otherwise useful or suitable
for any use the user may make of it.
-
The Crown in right of Alberta, the Minister and their employees and agents shall not be liable for any claims, costs, losses,
or damages, including any special, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage, which the user may incur or experience
as a result of the use or possession of the data or associated storage media.
Data File Descriptions
For user's convenience, the NAD27 data have been broken into four Microsoft Excel format data files. The four files comprise
ASCMs within the Municipal Integrated Surveying and Mapping (MISAM) areas of Calgary, Edmonton, the other 71 MISAM municipalities
combined and the rural (non-MISAM) areas combined.
Each file has been sorted by the ASCM number. However, users can manipulate the data to fit their own needs using the various
functions within Microsoft Excel. Also, each file's compilation date is shown on the first line of the file. For each ASCM
listed, the following information (data types) is given:
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ASCM-NO
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Geographic Coordinates (degrees minutes seconds) Gives the latitude and longitude
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Geoidal Undulation (metres)
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Horizontal Classification
Gives the Integration Status and the Order
Horizontal Integration Status Codes:
I = Integrated
N = Not Integrated
T = Provisional
U = Not Classified
X = Approximate
Y = Consult Agency
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Horizontal Datum
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Mapsheet Name
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Mapsheet Number
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Marker Condition
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Meridian Deflection (arc-seconds)
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Orthometric Height (metres) - vertical datum = CVD28
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Prime Vertical Deflection (arc-seconds)
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Tablet Marking
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Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates (metres) Gives the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, as well as
the associated Reference Meridian (degrees), Station Ellipsoid Factor, Station Combined Factor, and Meridian Convergence
(degrees minutes seconds).
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Vertical Integration Gives the Vertical Integration Status and the Vertical Integration Method by which the ASCM was integrated
into the provincial spatial referencing system.
Vertical Integration Status Codes:
I = Integrated
N = Not Integrated
T = Provisional
U = Not Classified
X = Approximate
Y = Consult Agency
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3-Degree Transverse Mercator Coordinates (metres) Gives the 3-degree Transverse Mercator (3TM) coordinates, as well as the
associated Reference Meridian (degrees), Station Ellipsoid Factor, Station Combined Factor, and Meridian Convergence(degrees
minutes seconds).
For more information on each of the data types provided within the four files, see:
The manual provides comprehensive information on each of the data types given in the files.
For more information about NAD27 ASCMs listings, contact:
NAD83 (CSRS) Subset Data
This document describes the subset of Alberta Survey Control Marker (ASCM) based on the Canadian Spatial Referencing System
(CSRS) derivation of the North American Datum 1983 (NAD83).
Note:
This listing is current to September 6, 2006. For information on changes to the subset and/or the most current data, please
contact the Geodetic Control Unit as given below.
Additional Information
For technical assistance or additional information on the data files, please contact:
Disclaimer
-
The distribution of this digital data is provided as a service to the user and is under copyright to the Government of Alberta.
-
Redistribution of the data, in whole or in part, whether alone or part of a value-added product, is not permitted without
the prior written consent of the Lands Division on behalf of the Minister of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Government
of Alberta.
-
In view of the dated nature of the data, it is the responsibility of the user of the data to advise users of the age and
status of the data if the Minister permits the user to provide the data to other users.
-
The user agrees that the data and each part thereof, any formatting or presentation thereof, any storage media on which
it is provided, and any communication of any kind, incidental or in relation thereto, is provided to the user by the Minister
and the Crown without warranty or representation as to any matter including but not limited to whether the data and storage
media is correct, accurate or free from error, defect, danger, or hazard, and whether it is otherwise useful or suitable
for any use the user may make of it.
-
The Crown in right of Alberta, the Minister and their employees and agents, shall not be liable for any claims, costs, losses,
or damages, including any special, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage, which the user may incur or experience
as a result of the use or possession of the data or associated storage media.
Data File Descriptions
The data set consists of:
-
NAD83(CSRS) ASCM Subset Data
- Apr 2009 (96 pages)
includes both urban (former MISAM) and rural (former non-MISAM) control markers that make up the NAD83 (CSRS) ASCM subset
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Readme
PDF file with the information of this webpage
The Excel spreadsheet is sorted by the ASCM number as defined in column A of the listing. However, users can manipulate
the data to fit their own needs using the various functions within Microsoft Excel. In addition, the file's compilation
date is shown on the first line.
ASCM information highlighted in red indicates that the marker is a part of the Canadian Base Network (CBN) in Alberta.
For each ASCM listed, the following information (data types) is given:
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ASCM-NO
-
Geographic Coordinates (degrees minutes seconds) Gives the latitude and longitude
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Geoidal Undulation (metres)
-
Horizontal Classification Gives the Integration Status and the Order
Horizontal Integration Status Codes:
I = Integrated
N = Not Integrated
T = Provisional
U = Not Classified
X = Approximate
Y = Consult Agency
-
Horizontal Datum
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Mapsheet Name
Map Name for ASCMs within the former MISAM areas 1:250,000 NTS Map Name for all former non-MISAM areas
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Mapsheet Number
1:5,000 3TM Map Number for ASCMs within the former MISAM areas
1:250,000 NTS Map Number for all non-MISAM areas
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Marker Condition
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Meridian Deflection (arc-seconds)
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Orthometric Height (metres) - vertical datum = CVD28
-
Prime Vertical Deflection (arc-seconds)
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Tablet Marking
-
Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates (metres) Gives the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, as well as
the associated Reference Meridian (degrees), Station Ellipsoid Factor, Station Combined Factor, and Meridian Convergence
(degrees minutes seconds)
-
Vertical Integration Gives the Vertical Integration Status and the Vertical Integration Method by which the ASCM was integrated
into the provincial spatial referencing system.
Vertical Integration Status Codes:
I = Integrated
N = Not Integrated
T = Provisional
U = Not Classified
X = Approximate
Y = Consult Agency
-
3-Degree Transverse Mercator Coordinates (metres) - gives the 3-degree Transverse Mercator (3TM) coordinates, as well as
the associated Reference Meridian (degrees), Station Ellipsoid Factor, Station Combined Factor, and Meridian Convergence
(degrees minutes seconds).
For more information on each of the data types provided within these files, see:
The manual provides comprehensive information on each of the data types given in the files.
Additional Products
The following additional products are available from the Geodetic Control Unit.
For more information on these products, contact: