MicroSurvey Mapping Files
While there is some good general information on this page on mapping, some items apply to older software versions. If you're just looking for Geoids, Gridshift files, and instructions for use link to:
Introduction | The Mapping Folder | World Geoid Models | Other Coordinate Systems | Additional Sources
Introduction
A strong understanding of what ellipsoids, geoids, datums, and transformations are is required as a prerequisite to understanding what each of the specific MicroSurvey mapping files do. Please refer to this article as a starting point.
If you still are unclear about anything, a google search will reveal thousands of additional pages with more information on these topics.
The Mapping Folder
The list below guides you to where to find the mapping folder for all MicroSurvey Products:
MicroSurvey CAD
C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\MSCAD\20XX\mscad\Mapping
embeddedCAD
C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\embeddedCAD 20XX\mscad\Mapping
inCAD
C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\inCAD\20XX\mscad\Mapping
STAR*NET
C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\StarNet\VXX\Mapping
FieldGenius for Windows:
C:\ProgramData\MicroSurvey\FieldGenius\XX\Mapping
FieldGenius for Android:
<Internal Storage> FieldGenius\Mapping
**NOTE that most gridshifts are implemented automatically in FieldGenius for Android. Gridshifts and required support files are downloaded from the Gridshift Catalog.
The following files, all or some of which may be found in your ...\MicroSurvey FieldGenius\Programs\Mapping\ folder, are either installed with FieldGenius or are created/updated by the Datum Grid Editor application.
| Filename | Information | Created/Updated By |
| Agd66ToGda94.gdc | Text file, tells FieldGenius which data files to use for transformations between AGD66 and GDA94 coordinates. (Australia) | FieldGenius Installation |
| Agd84ToGda94.gdc | Text file, tells FieldGenius which data files to use for transformations between AGD84 and GDA94 coordinates. (Australia) | FieldGenius Installation |
|
Map3_Systems (April 2024 Version) |
Binary file, contains the parameters defining all of the horizontal coordinate systems‚ available in MicroSurvey products. For example, which datum or ellipsoid each coordinate system is based on, its central meridian and extents. |
FieldGenius Installation Datum Grid Editor (US) Datum Grid Editor (Can) |
|
Map3_Datums (April 2024 Version) |
Binary file, contains the parameters defining all of the datums available in MicroSurvey Products, for example which ellipsoid the datums are based on, and transformation parameters for converting to WGS84. This file is created (but not modified or broken down) by the Datum Grid Editor. If you would like to see the contents of this file, you can use MicroSurvey CAD's Coordinate System Editor command. |
FieldGenius Installation Datum Grid Editor (US) Datum Grid Editor (Can) |
|
Map3_Ellipsoids (April 2024 Version) |
Binary file, contains the parameters defining all of the ellipsoid models used in the various coordinate systems in FieldGenius, for example the ellipsoids' equatorial and polar radii, flattening, and eccentricity. This file is created (but not modified or broken down) by the Datum Grid Editor. If you would like to see the contents of this file, you can use MicroSurvey CAD's Coordinate System Editor command. |
FieldGenius Installation Datum Grid Editor (US) Datum Grid Editor (Can) |
| geoid.byn | Binary file, contains an extracted portion of the HT v2.0 geoid model for vertical transformations between ellipsoid and CGVD orthometric heights in a small area around Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. |
FieldGenius Installation |
| GEOIDa.bin | Binary file, contains an extracted portion of the ___ geoid model for vertical transformations between ellipsoid and ____ orthometric heights in the selected area. (US) | Datum Grid Editor (US) |
| GeoidHeight.gdc | Text file, tells FieldGenius which data files to use for vertical transformations between Ellipsoid and Geoid heights. Typically points to GEOIDa.bin (United States) or HTV2_0a.BYN (Canada). Note: As of FieldGenius 2008 v4.1.0 this file is no longer used by FieldGenius - the desired .bin or .byn file can be selected directly within FieldGenius in the Coordinate System Settings screen. |
FieldGenius Installation Datum Grid Editor (US) Datum Grid Editor (Can) |
| HPGNa.las / .los | Binary files, contain an extracted portion of the datum conversion grids for transformations between NAD83 and HPGN/HARN coordinates in the selected area (United States). | Datum Grid Editor (US) |
| HTV2_0a.BYN | Binary file, contains an extracted portion of the HT v2.0 geoid model for vertical transformations between ellipsoid and CGVD‚ orthometric heights for the selected area (Canada). | Datum Grid Editor (Can) |
| Nad27ToNad83.gdc | Text file, tells FieldGenius which data files to use for transformations between NAD27 and NAD83 coordinates. Typically points to NADCONa.l?s (United States) or NTV2_0a.gsb (Canada). | FieldGenius Installation Datum Grid Editor (US) Datum Grid Editor (Can) |
| Nad83ToHarn.gdc | Text file, tells FieldGenius which data files to use for transformations between NAD83 and HPGN/HARN coordinates. Typically points to HPGNa.l?s (United States) | FieldGenius Installation Datum Grid Editor (US) |
| NADCONa.las / .los | Binary files, contain an extracted portion of the datum conversion grids for transformations between NAD83 and NAD27 coordinates in the selected area (US). | Datum Grid Editor (US) |
| NTV2_0a.GSB | Binary file, contains an extracted portion of the NT v2.0 datum conversion grid for transformations between NAD27 and NAD83 coordinates in the selected area (Canada). | Datum Grid Editor (Can) |
| Nzgd49ToNzgd2K.gdc | Text file, tells FieldGenius which data files to use for transformations between NZGD49 and NZGD2000 coordinates. (New Zealand) | FieldGenius Installation Datum Grid Editor (US) |
| Vertcon.gdc | Text file, tells FieldGenius which data files to use for vertical transformations between NAVD88 and NGVD29 datums. Typically points to VERTCONa.94 (US) or nothing (Canada). | FieldGenius Installation Datum Grid Editor (US) Datum Grid Editor (Can) |
| VERTCONa.94 | Binary file, contains an extracted portion of the datum conversion grid to use for vertical transformations between the NAVD88 and NGVD29 datums in the selected area (US). | Datum Grid Editor (US) |
http://www.leica-geosystems.com/us/en/lgs_65879.htm?cid=8679 You will need to sign-in to the Leica support site to access it.
As an example‚ we will explain how to configure FieldGenius to use the Canadian HT 97 geoid rather than the HT v2.0 geoid. This will result in orthometric heights being measured from this other geoid.
- Use the Datum Grid Editor to create FieldGenius' standard set of Mapping files for your area per usual procedures.
- Acquire the desired geoid file‚ as discussed above, for example HT97.BYN.
- Copy the HT97.BYN file into the ...\MicroSurvey FieldGenius\Programs\Mapping\ folder on the data collector (it is small enough that it doesn't need to be broken down using the Datum Grid Editor)
- FieldGenius 2008 v4.0.4 and earlier: Edit the file called GeoidHeight.GDC (found in the same Mapping folder) in a text editor such as Notepad and change the one line in it to use the desired geoid file instead of the one that is listed in there. FieldGenius will then use the geoid file listed in that .gdc file.‚ For example, if it already says .\HTV2_0.BYN then change it to read .\HT97.BYN instead.
- FieldGenius 2008 v4.1.0 and newer: Run FieldGenius and go into the Coordinate System Settings screen. In the Vertical System pull-down menu, select the HT97.BYN file.
Other Coordinate Systems
Now that you understand how FieldGenius uses its Mapping files, you can use that knowledge to adding (some) other non-standard datum files to FieldGenius, giving you more options than what we have given you.
CAUTION: The following procedure should only be done if you completely understand everything you have read so far, and realize all possible ramifications of changing any of the Mapping files. If you do something wrong, it is possible (and probable!) that FieldGenius will generate incorrect horizontal coordinates and/or vertical elevations based on the data you have told it to work with.
Custom Coordinate Systems can be created in MicroSurvey CAD (2008 or newer) for use in FieldGenius (2008 or newer). Please refer to the instructions here: http://helpdesk.microsurvey.com/article/319
Additional Sources
There are a LOT of good online educational sources, the following is a small collection of recommended sites:
A list of all available geoid files that are supported by MicroSurvey Products. Geoid Downloads page
A list of all available gridshift files that are supported by MicroSurvey Products. Gridshift file Downloads page
Natural Resources Canada. Canadian Spatial Reference System: Geodesy. http://www.geod.nrcan.gc.ca/edu/geod/reference/index_e.php
National Geodetic Survey. The Official NGS Geoid Page. http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/GEOID/
National Geodetic Survey. FAQ. http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/faq.shtml
Point of Beginning. State Plane Coordinates vs Surface Coordinates. http://www.pobonline.com/search?q=state+plane+vs+surface+coordinates
Brian Sloman
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