Transforming coordinate reference systems
In this section, we will learn how to use correctly the coordinate reference system (CRS) transformation tools in ArcGIS. There are two ways of changing a CRS, as follows:
- Coordinate transformation (for CRSs with different datum)
- Coordinate conversion (for CRSs with common datum)
To perform both or one of the coordinate operations mentioned earlier, you should use the ArcToolbox tool called Project. The Project tool performs conversion from one CRS to another, based on the same common datum (for example, geographic coordinate system converts to a projected coordinate system). It also performs transformations between two CRS which have different datum, even if CRS is geographic or projected.
In the next exercise, we will change the map projection of a shapefile from the Lambert Conformal Conic 1972 based on the D_Belge_1972 datum to the Lambert Conformal Conic 2008 based on the D_ETRS_1989 datum, as shown in the following screenshot:
To change the shapefile...
