How to: Manually Create a Localization File

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:

If you’re using Decimal Degrees (DD), follow the steps below. If using Degrees-Minutes-Seconds (DMS), see next step.

1. Create your localization file in CSV format by downloading this template.
2. Fill out the CSV template exactly following this structure:
1. Enter the global coordinates
1. 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.
3. 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)

If you’re using Degrees-Minutes-Seconds (DMS), follow these steps:

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

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.