DM-43 - Approximating the geoid with spheres and ellipsoids

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Learning Objectives: 
  • Identify the parameters used to define an ellipsoid
  • Differentiate the Clarke 1866 and WGS 84 ellipsoids in terms of ellipsoid parameters
  • Differentiate between a bi-axial and tri-axial ellipsoid and their applications
  • Explain why spheres and ellipsoids are used to approximate geoids
  • Distinguish between a geoid, an ellipsoid, a sphere, and the terrain surface
  • Describe an application for which it is acceptable to use a sphere rather than an ellipsoid

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