WGS 84 ellipsoid

The WGS 84 ellipsoid is a mathematical model used to approximate Earth's shape for navigation and mapping. It considers Earth as a smooth, slightly flattened sphere (an ellipsoid), with a longer equatorial radius and a shorter polar radius, reflecting Earth's actual slightly squashed shape at the poles. This model helps accurately determine locations, distances, and directions worldwide, underpinning GPS technology. WGS 84’s parameters are standardized, making it a consistent reference system for global positioning and geographic information systems, ensuring data from different sources aligns correctly on Earth's surface.