FAQ: How Do I Create A Localization File Manually?

A localization file describes the transformation from a global coordinate system to your local coordinate system. This is done by providing at least 4 pairs of points that are defined in both coordinate systems. All the points will be held in vertical and horizontal control.

To create a localization file manually, follow these instructions:

For Decimal Degrees:

• Create your localization file in CSV format by downloading this template.
• Fill out the CSV template exactly following this structure:
  • Enter WGS84 latitude, longitude, and altitude (height above ellipsoid)   
    • Enter latitude and longitude with at least 8 decimal places
    • Enter height in meters above ellipsoid (ellipsoidal height) with at least 3 decimal places.
    • Enter the global coordinates
• Enter the Northing (N) Easting (E) Elevation (Z) coordinate of each point in your local coordinate system and state your unit of measure next to each column header as below:
  • m: meters
  • us-ft: U.S. survey feet
  • ft: feet

Note:  Don’t forget to provide at least 4 pairs of coordinates. If you add more points, label them cp5, cp6 cp7, and so on.

Example: (sample text in blue)

For Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS):

• Create your localization file in CSV format by downloading this template.
• Fill out the CSV template exactly following this structure:
  • Enter WGS84 latitude, longitude, and altitude (height above WGS84 ellipsoid)   
  • Enter latitude and longitude with at least 9 decimal places
  • Enter height in meters above WGS84 ellipsoid (ellipsoidal height) with at least 3 decimal places.
  • State your unit of measure next to each column header:
  • m: meters
  • us-ft: U.S. survey feet
  • ft: feet
  • Make sure to add N and E before your coordinates (see example)
1. Enter the global coordinates
2. Enter the Northing (N) Easting (E) Elevation (Z) coordinate of each point in your local coordinate system

Note:  Don’t forget to provide at least 4 pairs of coordinates. 

Example: (sample text in blue)

Note: Your final localization.csv file should include control points that apply BOTH vertical and horizontal localization. Please exclude any control points that do not apply to both.