Simplified Data Specifications for

COORDINATE REFERENCE SYSTEM FSDT

Version 1.0
July 2024
Foreword

To promote better sharing and accessibility of spatial data among the community of stakeholders in
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“HKSAR”), the Government acknowledged its
commitment to establishing Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (“CSDI”). The main objective is to
provide Bureaux/Departments (“B/Ds”) and public and private organisations with an information
infrastructure to share spatial data, support various smart city applications, and support Smart City
development.

In March 2017, the Development Bureau (“DEVB”) commissioned a consultancy study on the overall
strategy for implementing the CSDI. With its implementation, the CSDI would benefit the
Government and society in the long run, with convenient and easy access to high-quality and up-to-
date spatial information. The CSDI will help to:
x Facilitate and support the development of a dynamic and flexible geospatial environment that
will provide standardised interfaces for accessing and disseminating common spatial
information;
x Facilitate information sharing across different B/Ds and eventually other stakeholders;
x Encourage the adoption of common standards to ensure quality, compatibility and
interoperability amongst different systems; and
x Make available a wide range of spatial data and analyses to enable potential applications.

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Contents

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. General Overview................................................................................................................ 3
1.2. Glossary and Definitions ..................................................................................................... 3
1.3. Acronyms and Abbreviations .............................................................................................. 4
2. Framework Spatial Data Definitions .............................................................................................. 5
2.1. Overview ............................................................................................................................. 5
2.2. Scope & Definitions ............................................................................................................ 5
3. Framework Spatial Data Content & Structure ................................................................................ 6
3.1. Datasets under Sub-themes ................................................................................................. 6
3.2. Physical Data Model ........................................................................................................... 6
3.3. Entity Description................................................................................................................ 6
3.4. Unique Identifiers ................................................................................................................ 6
3.5. Geographical Coverage ....................................................................................................... 6
3.6. Units of Measurement ......................................................................................................... 6
3.7. Spatial Resolution/Scale ...................................................................................................... 6
3.8. Spatial Representation Type ................................................................................................ 7
3.9. Spatial Reference System .................................................................................................... 7
3.9.1. Geodetic Datums ...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.9.2. Transformation Tools ............................................................................................................................. 12
3.9.2.1. Web-based Transformation Tool ........................................................................................................... 12
3.9.2.2. Coordinate Transformation Application Programming Interface (“API”) ............................................ 13
3.9.3. Implementation Guidelines .................................................................................................................... 13
3.10. Relationships and Dependencies with Other FSDTs......................................................... 13

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1. Introduction

1.1. General Overview

The Simplified Data Specifications for Coordinate Reference System (“the/this document”) provide
information about the Coordinate Reference System Framework Spatial Data Theme (“FSDT”).

1.2. Glossary and Definitions

This section provides a glossary of terms and definitions, listed alphabetically, as applicable to this
document.
x Cartesian Coordinate System: A coordinate system which gives the position of a point in
two-dimensional space using a pair of numbers or in three-dimensional space using a triplet of
numbers.
x Coordinate Reference System: Coordinate systems which are related to the real world by a
datum, including both coordinate systems based on geodetic or Cartesian coordinates and
coordinate systems based on map projections.
x Coordinate System: A set of mathematical rules for specifying how coordinates are to be
assigned to each point.
x Coordinate Transformation: A Transformation operation on two coordinate reference
systems which are based on different datums.
x Datum: A set of parameters that define the position of the origin, the scale and the orientation
of a coordinate system.
x Ellipsoid: A surface formed by the rotation of an ellipse about a main axis.
x Ellipsoidal Height, Geodetic Height: A distance of a point from the earth surface measured
along the perpendicular from the ellipsoid to this point, positive if upwards or outside of the
ellipsoid.
x Geodetic Coordinate System: A coordinate system in which position is specified by geodetic
latitude, geodetic longitude and (in the three-dimensional case) ellipsoidal height.
x Geodetic Datum: A datum describing the relationship of a coordinate system to the Earth.
x Height: A distance of a point from a chosen reference surface measured upward along a line
perpendicular to that surface.
x Lowest Astronomical Tide (“LAT”): The lowest level that can be expected to occur under
average meteorological conditions and under any combination of astronomical conditions.
x Map Projection: A change of coordinates, based on a one-to-one relationship, from a geodetic
coordinate system to a plane, based on the same datum.

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 x Mean Sea Level (“MSL”): The average level of the sea surface over all stages of tide and
seasonal variations.
x Point: The topological 0-dimensional geometric primitive, representing a position.
x Reference Ellipsoid: A reference ellipsoid provides latitude, longitude and ellipsoidal height
coordinates and it was formed by the rotation of an ellipse about a main axis

1.3. Acronyms and Abbreviations

This section lists the expanded description of all acronyms (words formed from the initial letters of a
phrase) and abbreviations (the shortened form of a word or phrase) used in this document in alphabetical
order.

Acronym/Abbreviation Description
API Application Programming Interface
B/D Bureau/Department
CD Chart Datum
CSDI Common Spatial Data Infrastructure
DEVB Development Bureau
FSDT Framework Spatial Data Theme
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positioning System
HK1980 Grid Hong Kong 1980 Grid System
HK80 Geodetic Datum Hong Kong 1980 Geodetic Datum
HKO Hong Kong Observatory
HKPD Hong Kong Principal Datum
HKSAR Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
ITRF International Terrestrial Reference Frame
ITRS International Terrestrial Reference System
LandsD Lands Department
LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide
MSL Mean Sea Level
PD Principal Datum
PolyU The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
SatRef Hong Kong Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network
the/this document Simplified Data Specifications for Coordinate Reference System
WGS84 World Geodetic System 1984

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2. Framework Spatial Data
Definitions

2.1. Overview
Unlike other FSDTs, Coordinate Reference System FSDT plays a very different role. The Coordinate
Reference System FSDT establishes a structure for spatial referencing of features by coordinates. It is
used to locate geographical entities, enabling interoperability and alignment of features with other
FSDTs.

The scope of Coordinate Reference System FSDT covers the Geodetic Coordinate Systems required
for uniquely referencing spatial information in space as a set of (X, Y, Z) coordinates and/or latitude
ij ORQJLWXGH Ȝ DQGHLWKHUHOOLSVRLGDOKHLJKW K RUJUDYLW\-related height (H).

This document covers the following:

x Geodetic datums and coordinate reference systems are used when making spatial data sets
available for CSDI.
x Plane coordinates reference systems (map projections) adopted and recommended for different
purposes, covering the requirements of the CSDI transformation services and view services as
well.

2.2. Scope & Definitions

This section is not applicable to the Coordinate Reference System FSDT.

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3. Framework Spatial Data
Content & Structure

3.1. Datasets under Sub-themes

The Coordinate Reference System FSDT does not contain particular spatial datasets and sub-themes.

3.2. Physical Data Model

This section is not applicable to the Coordinate Reference System FSDT.

3.3. Entity Description

This section is not applicable to the Coordinate Reference System FSDT.

3.4. Unique Identifiers

This section is not applicable to the Coordinate Reference System FSDT.

3.5. Geographical Coverage

The data specified in this document covers the entire territories of HKSAR.

3.6. Units of Measurement

This section is not applicable to the Coordinate Reference System FSDT.

3.7. Spatial Resolution/Scale

The Coordinate Reference System can be used for any information in any resolution and accuracy.

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3.8. Spatial Representation Type
The Coordinate Reference System can be used for any spatial representation in two-dimensional or
three-dimensional space.

3.9. Spatial Reference System

3.9.1. Geodetic Datums
Geodetic coordinate reference systems are three-dimensional coordinate reference systems based on a
geodetic datum/reference frame and having either a three-dimensional Cartesian or a spherical
coordinate system. This includes classical geodetic datums and modern terrestrial reference frames.

3.9.1.1. Horizontal Datum

3.9.1.1.1. Hong Kong 1980 Geodetic Datum (“HK80 Geodetic Datum”)

Hong Kong 1980 Geodetic Datum is a local reference datum for projecting the Hong Kong 1980 Grid
System (“HK1980 Grid”).

The reference ellipsoid for the HK1980 Geodetic Datum is the International 1924. The origin is at the
Trig “Zero”, which was 38.4 feet due south along the Transit Circle of the Hong Kong Observatory
(“HKO”) in Kowloon. As the latitude of the HKO determined by astronomical observations was
22°18’13.20” N, the latitude of the Trig “Zero” was thus 22°18’12.82” N. The Longitude of the Trig
“Zero” was 114°10’18.75”E which was determined in 1924 from simultaneous observations of
Bordeaux signals made at Greenwich and Hong Kong.

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 Details of the HK80 Geodetic Datum are illustrated in the table and diagram below:

North Pole Hong Kong 1980 Geodetic Datum (HK80 Geodetic Datum)
Parameter Value
Ellipsoid International 1924
Greenwich Latitude
Meridian 22° 18’ 12.82” N Semi-major axis (a) 6378388 m
Flattening (f) 1 / 297.0
Origin:
Origin
Origi Trig “Zero” at HKO
Trig “Zero”
Origin (Latitude)
Origi 22° 18’ 12.82” N
Origin (Longitude) 114° 10’ 18.75” E
Longitude
114° 10’ 18.75” E Azimuth Trig 67.2 to Trig 94
HK80 Geodetic Datum 292° 59’ 46.5”
Reference Ellipsoid: International 1924

Hong Kong 1980 Grid System (“HK1980 Grid”)

The HK1980 Grid is a local rectangular grid system based on the HK80 Geodetic Datum and Transverse
Mercator projection. It is extensively used in cadastral, topographic and engineering surveying in Hong
Kong. The HK1980 Grid is also the native storage format of most spatial data maintained by the B/Ds.

The projection parameters of the HK1980 Grid are detailed in the table below:

Hong Kong 1980 Grid System (HK1980 Grid)

Parameter Value
Projection Transverse Mercator

Geodetic Datum HK80 Geodetic Datum

Reference Ellipsoid International 1924

Origin of Projection Old Trig 2 “Patridge Hill”

Origin of Projection (Latitude) 22° 18’ 43.68” N

Origin of Projection (Longitude) 114° 10’ 42.80” E

Grid Coord. Of Origin (Northing) 819069.80 m

Grid Coord. Of Origin (Easting) 836694.05 m

Scale Factor Unity (1.0) along the central meridian at old Trig 2

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3.9.1.1.2. ITRF96 (1998:121) (WGS84 Ellipsoid)

An International Terrestrial Reference System (“ITRS”) is the theoretical definition of the reference
system, defining the reference system’s origin, scale, orientation and development over time. An
International Terrestrial Reference Frame (“ITRF”) is the realisation of ITRS, containing a set of points
with their 3-dimensional Cartesian coordinates of the idealised ITRS. ITRF solutions are based on
several different space-based technologies and are done through international collaboration under the
International Earth Rotation Service. Since the first adoption of ITRS in Vienna, 1991, there have been
11 realisations of ITRFs as of 2022.

The ITRF96 (1998:121) (WGS84 ellipsoid) is widely applied for various positioning applications in
Hong Kong. A GPS2000 Network was established to determine the coordinate transformation
parameters and connect the local datum to the Global Positioning System (“GPS”) defined position. In
2001, the Lands Department (“LandsD”) developed the Hong Kong Satellite Positioning Reference
Station Network (“SatRef”) to support high accuracy positioning. Both of the systems are tied to the
ITRF96 datum at epoch 1998:121.

Details of the datum and ellipsoid are illustrated in the diagram below:

North Pole

Greenwich
Meridian

Origin Hong Kong

Ԅ
ɉ

Equator

ITRF96 Datum
Reference Ellipsoid: WGS 84
Epoch: 1998:121

3.9.1.1.3. Relationship between ITRF96 (1998:121) and HK1980 Grid

The transformation between the recommended coordinate systems should be implemented to facilitate
data sharing and interoperability.

Transformation Steps between ITRF96 (1998:121) Geographic Coordinates and HK1980 Grid
Coordinates

To achieve centimetre-level coordinate transformation between the ITRF96 (1998:121) and HK80
Geodetic Datum, the following transformation steps should be taken:
x ITRF96 (1998:121) Geographic Coordinates (WGS84 ellipsoid) to ITRF96 Cartesian
Coordinates
x ITRF96 Cartesian Coordinates to HK80 Geodetic Datum Cartesian Coordinates

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 x HK80 Geodetic Datum Cartesian Coordinates to HK80 Geodetic Datum Geographic
Coordinates (International 1924 ellipsoid)
x HK80 Geodetic Datum Geographic Coordinates to HK1980 Grid Coordinates

The reverse transformation steps shall be taken to obtain ITRF96 (1998:121) Geographic Coordinates
from HK1980 Grid Coordinates.

Please refer to the document “Schematic Diagram Showing Transformation of Coordinates between
WGS84 Geographic Coordinates and HK 1980 Grid Coordinates” for the details of the transformation.
The link to the document is provided at the end of this section.

The following datum transformation parameters and equations shall be used for the transformation
between ITRF96 Cartesian Coordinates and HK80 Geodetic Datum Cartesian Coordinates.

Datum Transformation Parameters

From: ITRF96 (1998:121) From: HK80 Geodetic Datum
To: HK80 Geodetic Datum To: ITRF96 (1998:121)
Shift along x-axis 162.619 m -162.619 m
Shift along y-axis 276.961 m -276.959 m
Shift along z-axis 161.763 m -161.764 m
Rotation about x-axis 0.067741” -0.067753”
Rotation about y-axis -2.243649” 2.243648”
Rotation about z-axis -1.158827” 1.158828”
Scale factor 1.094239 ppm -1.094246 ppm

Datum Transformation Equation

X οX (1 + S) Ʌ୸ െɅ୷ X
൦Y൪ = ൦οY൪ + ൦ െɅ୸ (1 + S) Ʌ୶ ൪ ൦Y൪
Z ୘୭ οZ Ʌ୷ െɅ୶ (1 + S) Z ୊୰୭୫

Where:
X : Shift along x-axis
X : 3D Cartesian Coordinate in designated Geodetic
Y : Shift along y-axis
൦Y൪ Datum
Z : Shift along z-axis
Z ୘୭
Ʌ୶ : Rotation about x-axis
Ʌ୷ : Rotation about y-axis X

:
൦Y൪ : 3D Cartesian Coordinate in original Geodetic
Ʌ୸ Rotation about z-axis
Z ୊୰୭୫
Datum
S : Scale factor
-

Please find the details of the transformation procedures, equations and parameters through the
“Schematic Diagram Showing Transformation of Coordinates between WGS84 Geographic
Coordinates and HK 1980 Grid Coordinates”. The document shall be read in conjunction with
“Geodetic Datum Transformation and Map Projection Parameter Set for Computation between ITRF96

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Geodetic Coordinates (or Cartesian Coordinates) and HK1980 Grid Coordinates” and the
“Explanatory Notes on Geodetic Datums in Hong Kong”.

The links to the documents can be found below:

Schematic Diagram Showing Transformation of Coordinates between WGS84 Geographic Coordinates

and HK 1980 Grid Coordinates
https://www.geodetic.gov.hk/common/data/parameter/SchematicDiagram.pdf

Explanatory Notes on Geodetic Datums in Hong Kong

https://www.geodetic.gov.hk/common/data/pdf/explanatorynotes.pdf

Geodetic Datum Transformation and Map Projection Parameter Set for Computation between ITRF96
Geodetic Coordinates (or Cartesian Coordinates) and HK1980 Grid Coordinates
https://www.geodetic.gov.hk/common/data/parameter/7P_ITRF96_HK80_V1.pdf

3.9.1.2. Vertical Datum

There are two vertical datums adopted as the vertical control in Hong Kong, i.e. Hong Kong Principal
Datum (“HKPD”) and Chart Datum (“CD”).

3.9.1.2.1. Hong Kong Principal Datum (“HKPD”)

HKPD is used to determine the relationship of the local vertical datum to the Mean Sea Level (“MSL”).
The HKPD was previously determined as 1.125m below MSL by Dr. Doberck for 1887-1888. This
figure was superseded by the updated determination by HKO derived using 19 years (1965-1983)
observation records of the Automatic Tide Gauge situated at North Point, Victoria Harbour. It was then
determined that the HKPD was approximately 1.23m below MSL.

In 1866, the surveyors of the H.M. Surveying Vessel Rifleman mapped the northern shore of Hong
Kong Island and fixed a bolt (then known as the “Rifleman's Bolt”) on a block of granite cornerstone
at the Royal Naval Dockyard (now near the MTR Admiralty Station, Wanchai) as a benchmark. The
level of the bolt was found to be 17 feet 10 inches (5.435 m) above a datum measured at the time. This
datum was subsequently adopted as the Principal Datum (“PD”), serving as a reference for all heights
and levels measured on land. The height above PD was obtained by adding 5.435 m to the height as
measured against the benchmark of the then Rifleman's Bolt.

3.9.1.2.2. Chart Datum (“CD”)

CD, formerly known as Admiralty Datum, is approximately the level of the Lowest Astronomical Tide
(“LAT”) and it has been adopted as the zero point for Tide Tables since 1917. All depths and submarine
contours on Navigational Charts refer to the CD.

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The relationship among different vertical datums in the measurement period from 2004 to 2022 is
depicted below 1:

榀㸖⹚✮㵞⹚杉 (2004 – 2022)*

Hong Kong Mean Sea Level

1.45 䱚 m 榀㸖Ḣ㰛⹚⟡㹽杉
Hong Kong Principal Datum
0.146 䱚 m
㵞⛽⟡㹽
Chart Datum

㵞㷘
Chart Depth

3.9.2. Transformation Tools

3.9.2.1. Web-based Transformation Tool

In Hong Kong, the Web-based Transformation Tool 2 provides an instant conversion between various
coordinate systems/ datums. The methodologies and conversion parameters refer to the “Explanatory
Notes on Geodetic Datums in Hong Kong”, “Datum Transformation and Transformation Parameters”
as well as the Geoid Model established by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (“PolyU”). The
method of data input could be manually input or directly import the data file of coordinates with “,” or
space as a separator. This tool is applicable to convert 10 coordinates at a time among coordinate
systems in Hong Kong as listed below:
x HK1980 Grid Coordinates
x HK80 Geodetic Datum Geographic Coordinates
x ITRF96 (1998:121) Geographic Coordinates
x UTM Grid
x UTM Grid Reference

1
Tide Table for Hong Kong 2023, HKO.
https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/tide/tide_tables/2023/files/TideTable2023.pdf
2
Web-based Datum Transformation Tool, Geodetic Survey Section of LandsD.
https://www.geodetic.gov.hk/en/gi/transformation.htm

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Height conversion is also provided between ITRF96 (1998:121) geographic coordinates and HK1980
Grid coordinates. Height conversion is based on the HKGeoid2016_SMO data developed by PolyU.

3.9.2.2. Coordinate Transformation Application Programming Interface

(“API”)

LandsD has published a coordinate transformation API through DATA.GOV.HK 3 and LandsD’s
website to perform coordinates transformation same as the web-based transformation tool as stated in
Section 3.9.2.1.

3.9.3. Implementation Guidelines

The following coordinate reference systems are preferred and recommended to be adopted in all CSDI
FSDTs.
x HK1980 Grid which is a two-dimensional projection (the horizontal component) should be used
to define a location in Northing, Easting. It is recommended that CSDI framework spatial
datasets should be projected to the HK1980 Grid for effective sharing and use.
x ITRF96 datum (1998:121) with WGS84 ellipsoid should be used to define geographic
coordinates in latitude and longitude.
x HKPD is recommended for representing height values for ground-based features, while the CD
is recommended for depth measurements at sea.
Note: HK80 Geodetic Datum is also a valid but rarely used coordinate system in local land
administration and engineering sectors. It is recommended to publish the geographic coordinates with
reference to ITRF96 (1998:121), which is widely adopted in Hong Kong and compatible with GNSS
coordinates.

3.10. Relationships and Dependencies with Other

FSDTs
This section is not applicable to the Coordinate Reference System FSDT.

3
DATA.GOV.HK is an online web interface provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer
of the Government of the HKSAR to the public for obtaining certain open data. https://data.gov.hk/en/

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The English version shall prevail in case of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the English
version and its Chinese translation.

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