What datum do you use?

[Owen]

Hi guys,
Only recently got a GPS, so I'm still a bit green.
Just wondering what datum everyone uses and why?
I got a bluechart with the unit, so I don't suppose I need to change it from the factory setup (GEO 84 from memory) unless I wan't to enter coordinates from a chart or whatever that uses a different datum.

Or would it be better to switch to the Australian datum?

cheers,

Owen

[banshee]

I use WGS 84 basicly because it's the one all my mates use,if I get a waypoint in another datum I swap the GPS over to that datum ,enter the mark and swap it back,the unit converts it automaticly.

[Owen]

Actually, I think it's set to WGS 84 now that you mention it.
Was going to go have a look before I posted, but thought the neighbours might think I'm a bit wierd sitting in the boat at 10 oclock at night

[blaze]

not weird Owen, just a typical boatie with a new toy
cheers
blaze

[fsh00]

WGS 84 and then convert

[rajawolf]

Owen,

We all sit in our boat at night ...thinking of moving the tv into it

Cheers,

Tony

[whiteman]

Come back Kerry .... all is forgiven!!

[Volvo]

By rights ya should use the datum for the chart of your local area to be more precise or so its said.Though have heard it said that all charts may soon have same datum???????..
Now, like previousely said that if given a mark by a mate or someone you change your plotter over to the datum his marks have been set to, place the waypoints/marks in and then change over to the datum you normally are gunna use and it automatically does the conversion over..

[Tracker]

owen go to http://gpsinformation.net/ and have a read.

[Owen]

Thanks Tracker,
Might take me a while to wade through all that!

cheers,

Owen

[Smithy]

The difference between WGS 84 and GDA 94 is for all intents and purposes around 1m for layman's purposes. Take your pick with those two. All new paper charts should be coming out in the newest Australian Chart Datum - GDA94. Where it gets tricky is old paper charts like the Sunmap ones are most likely in AGD66 or AGD84. These are a fair way out to WGS. Most people will give you numbers in WGS but be carefull and don't be surprised if you find yourself 150m away if you do eventually work someone else's numbers out.

[Panda]

Will the long/lat cordinates on "google earth" be accurate if programed into a gps?

[Grand_Marlin]

Smithy is spot on... the wgs 84 is the american version to which all charts will now be standardised. GDA 94 is australias own version of wgs 84 - but are nearly identical.
I set all my clients GPS units up to WGS 84. All electronic charts run off this datum.
If you are plotting off a paper chart, check which datum it is written under. The datum will be printed somewhere on the map
Cheers
Pete
Valet Boat Services

[BladeRunner]

WGS84

Just a quick Question dose true north or magnetic north. Which ever you run on make a difference to the exact location. Or are you a few meters out?

Thanks
BladeRunner [smiley=bandana.gif]

[DR]

WGS84

Just a quick Question dose true north or magnetic north. Which ever you run on make a difference to the exact location. Or are you a few meters out?

Thanks
BladeRunner [smiley=bandana.gif]

i'd be interested to know the same