NAD 83 — North American Datum of 1983 — Aviation Definition

Words for: The National Airspace System & IFR Charts

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202 words in this area · Next word: WGS 84 — World Geodetic System 1984 →

Plain English Meaning

A standard agreed-upon model of the Earth's shape that all charts, GPS units, and navigation systems use so that a given latitude and longitude points to the same spot for everyone.

Full Definition

A geodetic reference system, adopted in 1983, that defines the precise mathematical model of the Earth used to calculate latitude and longitude positions across North America. It is the standard horizontal datum used by the FAA for aeronautical charts, instrument procedures, and navigation databases, and is functionally equivalent to the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS 84) for practical aviation purposes.

Context Anchor

Seen in chart legends, including en route chart legends, where the chart identifies the reference system used for its plotted positions.

NAD 83 — North American Datum of 1983

Plain English Meaning

Full Definition

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