# What is a Datum?

A datum is a reference frame that enables the location of latitudes and longitudes to be identified on the surface of the Earth. In geodesy and navigation, a datum provides the mathematical model of the Earth’s shape and size, as well as the origin and orientation of coordinate systems used for mapping and positioning. Modern datums are typically realized through a network of precisely surveyed points and are essential for ensuring that geographic coordinates are consistent and accurate across different regions and applications.

The term “geodetic datum” is often used interchangeably with “reference frame,” though the geodetic community now prefers “reference frame” for clarity. Datums can be global, such as WGS84, or local, tailored to specific regions to account for local variations in the Earth’s surface. Accurate datum selection is critical for applications like surveying, [GIS mapping](/content/solutions/gis/index.html), and GNSS-based positioning, as using different datums without proper transformation can result in significant positional errors.

For a more detailed overview of datums, reference frames, and epochs, read our article [What Are Reference Frames, Epochs and Coordinate Transformations In RTK?](/content/resource/white-paper/what-are-reference-frames-epochs-and-coordinate-transformations-in-rtk/index.html)

### GNSS Basics

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## [L1/L2 vs L1/L5: Evaluating Dual-Frequency GNSS for High Precision Applications](/content/resource/blog/l1-l2-vs-l1-l5-evaluating-dual-frequency-gnss-for-high-precision-applications/index.html)

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## [Which Skylark Variant Fits Your Use Case?](/content/resource/blog/which-skylark-variant-fits-your-use-case/index.html)

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## [What are the Different GNSS Correction Methods?](/content/resource/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-gnss-corrections/index.html)

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## [Free vs. Paid GNSS Correction Services](/content/resource/blog/free-vs-paid-gnss-correction-services/index.html)

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## [What Happens Between GNSS Reference Stations: Inside Skylark’s Atmospheric Model](/content/resource/blog/what-happens-between-gnss-reference-stations-inside-skylarks-atmospheric-model/index.html)

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## [Troubleshooting The Most Common RTK & NTRIP Issues: A Step-By-Step Guide](/content/resource/blog/troubleshooting-the-most-common-rtk-ntrip-issues-a-step-by-step-guide/index.html)

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## [Delivering RTK Corrections over LEO Satellites: A Modern Alternative to L-Band](/content/resource/blog/delivering-rtk-corrections-over-leo-satellites-a-modern-alternative-to-l-band/index.html)

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## GIS

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## Case Study

## [KDDI Modernizes Water Infrastructure Mapping in Japan with Precise GNSS](/content/resource/case-study/kddi-modernizes-water-infrastructure-mapping-in-japan-with-precise-gnss/index.html)

## Case Study

## [Helios Visions Uses Swift Navigation’s Network RTK Service to Power Drone-Based Environmental Cleanup](/content/resource/case-study/helios-visions-uses-swift-navigations-network-rtk-service-to-power-drone-based-environmental-cleanup/index.html)

## Case Study

## [TecSolutions Consultants Simplifies the Purchase and Setup of Utility Locating Solutions With GNSS Corrections From Swift Navigation](/content/resource/case-study/tecsolutions-consultants-simplifies-the-purchase-and-setup-of-utility-locating-solutions-with-gnss-corrections-from-swift-navigation/index.html)

## Case Study

## [How Origin Forensics Maps Crash Sites with Skylark Nx RTK](/content/resource/case-study/how-origin-forensics-maps-crash-sites-with-skylark-nx-rtk/index.html)

## Case Study