Datum transformations

Datum transformations are procedures used to convert geographic coordinates from one reference system (or datum) to another. A datum defines how the Earth's surface is modeled and measured, accounting for different shapes, sizes, and reference points. When working with maps or GPS data from different sources, transformations ensure these coordinates align accurately by adjusting for differences between datums. Think of it as translating location data from one "map language" to another so that each set of coordinates accurately represents the same physical point on Earth, enabling precise navigation and mapping across various systems.