Standard Coordinate Transformation

To access the Transform Coordinates screen:

  • Data ribbon >> Transform >> Geographic.

  • Using the command line, enter "transform-coordinates"

  • Use the quick key combination "tco".

  • Display the Find Command screen, locate transform-coordinates and click Run.

Transform a spatial data file's coordinates from one system to another using industry-standard coordinate systems, using the Transform Coordinates screen.

Note: you can also define a custom transformation.

The Transform Coordinates screen handles numerous types of coordinate representations, including cartographic and geodetic transformations. You can also automate this function and set up a custom transformation.

If spatial data coordinates are being transformed for the first time, and you are unsure of what Target Coordinate System to use so that the data is displayed in its expected orientation, remember that your application uses a general XYZ cartesian coordinate system where:

  • X coordinates increase towards the East

  • Y coordinates increase towards the North

  • Z coordinates increase upwards.

Before coordinate transformation is performed, the input file and parameters are checked, and if the transformation cannot be completed with the specified inputs, a message displays indicating failure. This may be due to coordinate system not being recognised, or coordinates not being compatible with the coordinate systems selected.

Tip: click Restore to reinstate settings used in a previous coordinate transformation.

To perform a standard coordinate transformation:

  1. Define input and output files. See Transform Coordinates.

  2. Select the Standard tab.

  3. For the Source Coordinate System, you can either:

    • Pick a Key using the browse button to display the Coordinate System Selection screen.

      Note: the following Well Known Text (WKT) Keys are support by your application: EPSG, ESRI, IGNF, OGC.

    • Enable WKT to define the coordinate system using a Well Known Text transformation string.

      Tip: edit a standard Key by selecting it first, then selecting the WKT option to modify the prepared text. This can help to ensure the correct syntax is used.

  4. Choose your Target Coordinate System using either Key or WKT options.

  5. Click OK to transform your Input File data to the Output File.

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