The orld eodetic ystem 84 is an Earth-fixed global reference frame. It is defined by a set of parameters defining the shape of the earth’s ellipsoid, its angular velocity, the earth mass and a detailed gravity model of the earth. These parameters are needed becauseWGS 84 is used not only for defining coordinates in surveying, but, for example, also for determining the orbits of GPS navigation satellites.
World Geodetic Survey 1984. A common map datum reference. It is also the one we use on this site.
World Geodetic System 1984 - A worldwide datum.
World Geodetic Reference 1984
The most current geodetic datum used for GPS is the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84). The significance of WGS84 comes about because GPS receivers rely on WGS84. Geocaching uses the WGS84 datum by default. The format HDDD MM.MM, which is a standard for GPS receivers (like the eTrex), is also used. It is critical that the format is correct, otherwise cachers will be unable to find your cache! HDD means Hemisphere and degrees. MM.MM are minutes in decimal format.
A higher precision version of the GRS80 used by the U. S. Defense Mapping Agency in world mapping. A common datum and reference ellipsoid for hand-held GPS receivers.