Reference Ellipsoid

In geodesy, a reference ellipsoid is a mathematically-defined surface that approximates the geoid, the truer figure of the Earth, or other planetary body. Because of their relative simplicity, reference ellipsoids are used as a preferred surface on which geodetic network computations are performed and point coordinates such as latitude, longitude, and elevation are defined.

Read more about Reference Ellipsoid:  Ellipsoid Parameters, Coordinates, Historical Earth Ellipsoids, Ellipsoids For Other Planetary Bodies

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