Geodetic Reference System 1980 (GRS 80)

The Geodetic Reference System 1980 (GRS 80) is a global standard used to define the shape and size of the Earth for precise mapping and navigation. It models the Earth as an ellipsoid—a smooth, slightly flattened sphere—based on detailed measurements. GRS 80 provides a consistent mathematical framework for geodesy, ensuring that locations and directions are accurate across different maps and navigation systems. It is widely used in applications like GPS, surveying, and mapping to achieve high precision in determining positions worldwide.