Map Datum for a 1953 US Navy Map?

JStarmer — Thu, 09 May 2024 03:42:14 GMT

I am trying to geolocate a printed map from a 1953 US Navy training exercise on a beach in Maui, Hawaii. The map is primarily offshore depths with a small stretch of land with few distinguishing features. Hoping someone might know the right datum to use with such a map?

Re: Map Datum for a 1953 US Navy Map?

Efarahay — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:57:59 GMT

If you're georeferencing a paper map, you can choose whatever spatial reference/datum makes the most sense for the area and extent. The key is just finding the most accurate control points, then the software will help with transformations needed.

I found an article discussing how the army was using UTM around that time period, maybe the navy was the same? It looks like Hawaii(big island) would've been in UTM Zone 5 with the other islands in UTM zone 4. Hawaii specifically was mentioned as using the International Ellipsoid 1924 at that time.

Sounds like a cool project/map!

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Map Datum for a 1953 US Navy Map?

Re: Map Datum for a 1953 US Navy Map?