Hello,
I am using ArcMap 10.3.
I have a question about the Ellipsoids surface and what it is intended to represent. I see reference to the ellipsoid as approximating the earths surface but I also see the Ellipsoid concept as approximating the geoid surface. So I have to ask: is the Ellipsoid intended to approximate the topography of the earths surface or the geoid surface ?
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In that case you need to refer to the last link which is intended to provide more info. I think they have moved to a more general representation that the 1927 version which was to a fixed point.
The links within Wikipedia may prove more useful, if not its description itself
Chuck some references with visuals from the help files
Geoid—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop
The geoid, ellipsoid, spheroid, and datum, and how they are related—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop
which also has a link to...
But the first link with its image shows you the relationships visually
Dan,
Thanks for your feedback. If I understand correctly, the Ellipsoid is intended to simplify the geoid model according to the information you reference. With that being said, does the Nad83 Ellipsoid "touch" or tie-to North America in specific locations, like the Clarke model was tied to Kansas City ?
In that case you need to refer to the last link which is intended to provide more info. I think they have moved to a more general representation that the 1927 version which was to a fixed point.
The links within Wikipedia may prove more useful, if not its description itself