Welcome to 3Dsurvey tutorials.
In this tutorial you will learn how the updated coordinate system in 3Dsurvey 3.0 works.
Watch the tutorial
Using Preset Coordinate Systems
Step 1: Start by Typing Your Country Name
The easiest way to set up coordinate systems in 3Dsurvey is by using one of the built-in presets. To begin, simply start typing the name of the country where your data was collected. For example, if your project is based in Belgium, start entering “Belgium” into the search field.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Preset
Once you’ve typed in the country name, a list of available coordinate system presets will appear. Select the appropriate preset from the list. This will automatically configure the correct horizontal and vertical coordinate systems for your project.
Step 3: Input Coordinate System Setup
The preset will also define the input coordinate system. This is the coordinate system used by your raw telemetry data. In the example of Belgium, the input coordinate system will automatically be set to ETRS89.
Step 4: Download Required Files
When you press “Import,” 3Dsurvey may prompt you to download additional files required for accurate coordinate transformation. These may include a horizontal grid shift file and a vertical geoid model. Simply click “Continue” to proceed. Once this is done, your coordinate system setup is complete.
Manually Defining a Coordinate System
Step 1: Enter EPSG Code or Coordinate System Name
If your coordinate system is not included in the list of presets, you can manually configure it. Begin by entering the name of the coordinate system or its EPSG code in the horizontal coordinate system field.
Step 2: Select the Vertical Coordinate System
Next, select the appropriate vertical coordinate system from the list provided. This step ensures that your elevation data is interpreted correctly.
Step 3: Set the Input Coordinate System
You may also need to define the input coordinate system—the one used by your telemetry data. If you’re unsure which one to choose, we recommend setting it to the WGS84 geographic coordinate system, as it is commonly used by many GPS and drone systems.
Importing a Coordinate System from an External PRJ File
Step 1: Import the PRJ or TXT File
3Dsurvey also allows you to define a coordinate system using an external PRJ or TXT file. To do this, click the option labeled “Import PRJ TXT File.”
Step 2: Select and Load the File
Locate and select your PRJ or TXT file. Then click “Open.” 3Dsurvey will read the contents of the file and automatically configure the coordinate system based on its definitions. This method is useful if you already have a PRJ file prepared for your specific project area.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about coordinate systems, or if you need help finding or generating a PRJ file for your area, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
If your coordinate system is not currently included in our list of presets, send us an email at support@3dsurvey.si, and we’ll be happy to add it for you.
