Coordinates in iBase
To plot an entity or link on a map, you need to enter coordinate values in two fields that have been set up for this purpose. Your GIS package is configured to interpret the values in these fields so that the data can be plotted in the correct location.
In iBase, you will also be able to store geographic data in a number of formats, which are then converted, either manually when you enter the record or automatically after an import or using a bulk conversion. You can also run coordinate queries.
Note: When you add a coordinate type field with two real number fields to make the combination for automatic conversion, the field order is important. The coordinate field must be followed by the latitude field and then the longitude field.
Types of field
The fields used to contain the coordinate data must be defined as Real Number type fields. They might contain the following types of coordinates:
Latitude and Longitude values, entered in decimal degrees
Easting/Northing data, entered in meters
These fields will typically be called Latitude and Longitude or X and Y. If you are not sure which fields you need to use, move the pointer over the field name to see its tooltip, or speak to your database administrator.
About converting coordinates to a standard format
When you convert coordinates, they are always converted to decimal degrees of latitude and longitude, using the WGS 1984 datum (a global standard for plotting geographic locations).
When you add a coordinate type field with two real number fields to make the combination for automatic conversion, the field order is important. The coordinate field must be followed by the latitude field and then the longitude field.
The original coordinate value is stored so that it can be searched for, and for audit purposes.
Note: The conversion process will change longitude values greater than 180 to their equivalent negative value in order that they can be plotted correctly.