Geo DB Module
Geo Suite DB Module is a standalone application that provides a graphical front end user interface to the ESPG database (current version 7.6). The module provides a rapid graphical and manual search engine that enables any geodetic parameter contained within the database to be accessed within a few mouse clicks.
This tool provides a fast and effective method for checking any of the parameters associated with geographical and projected CRS’ for any given location.
Benefits
- The graphical user interface provides a simple geographical display for parameter searches
- Manual search engine enables specific queries to be made based up EPSG codes or text strings
- Search results can be listed by distinct category (genre), ranging from Ellipsoids, Units of Measure and Prime Meridians to Projected and Geographical CRS’
- Data mining enables the parameters of a CRS to be viewed at different levels
- Enables the creation of User-Defined geodetic parameters for any of the geodetic categories listed.
- Reports of the CRS parameters can be created etc.
- Enables creation of User-Defined geodetic parameters for any of the geodetic categories contained within the database
- Provides link to the OGP published Access Database
- Allows all deprecated items to be hidden or viewed upon request
- Allows all global CRS’ to be hidden or viewed upon request, i.e. ITRF systems etc
- Provides a direct piping mechanism to the Calc module from where Calc can be directly launched
- All CRS parameters being currently viewed will be automatically populated within Calc
Graphical user interface
The main graphical user interface invites the user to select a point from the world map representing the area of interest (the geographical location where the geodetic parameters are required). The user interface provides the usual zoom and pan features that assist the selection process.
Manual search engine
Geo DB also provides a manual selection function where a string value can be entered into the text box provided. The text string can comprise either a geographical description of the area of interest or an EPSG code should it be already known.
Results panel
An example of the result panel is shown below. The results displayed will match the group criteria selected in the drop down box off the tool bar (currently set to Coordinate Reference System). The main display will give a general overview of the EPSG parameters found that matched the filter parameters supplied within the graphical and / or manual search. Data mining provides a mechanism to quickly access more geodetic parameters associated with the CRS’ displayed. All geodetic parameters associated with the area of interest can be accessed within a few clicks of a mouse button.
Select the CRS required by double clicking the left hand mouse button and additional panels will appear showing the additional geodetic parameters associated with that CRS.
The panel above shows more details about the 2D projected CRS selected in terms of the general parameters, coordinate system properties and coordinate system axes. Further details on many of the specific categories can be accessed by highlighting the required item and choosing the data mine button. The example below shows the map projection parameters of the 2D projected CRS.
Geo DB geodetic parameter piping
With the exception of providing a quick view facility for the EPSG database, Geo DB’s main function within Geo Suite is to pipe geodetic parameters to all other modules of Geo Suite thus providing geodetic integrity and consistency of computations throughout Geo Suite. Geo Suite adopts a late binding architecture throughout for the selection of datum methods and datum transformation parameters of which the flexibility of the EPSG tables provide and integral part of the solution.
Geo DB and Calc
When the CRS parameters are being viewed within Geo DB there is an option of many of the panels to invoke the Calc. This will automatically parameterize the Calculator with the necessary geodetic parameters enabling computations to be performed immediately. For example, if NAD27 / North Dakota South was being viewed and the Calculator option invoked then Point A would contain the projected CRS parameters and point B would contain the geographical CRS parameters (e.g. NAD27). This mechanism provides a fast way to get into the Calculator after initial searches using the EPSG database.
Backward Compatibility
Geo DB offers backward compatibility between different vintages of EPSG databases. This protects user defined CRS ‘ and or other parameters that have been added to an existing database. When a later version of the EPSG database is downloaded all the previously entered geodetic parameters will be automatically copied from the existing DB to the new DB. All EPSG codes will be honoured during the process.
Database Pointer
The setup features enable any version of the EPSG database to be integrated within the software module. This enables older legacy versions of the EPSG database to be viewed within the application should the need arise.