Date:         Fri, 7 Jul 2006 13:41:41 -0400
Reply-To:     Subject Coordinates Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Subject Coordinates Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
From:         "Rebecca S. Guenther" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: The proposal passed MARBI!
Comments: To: Subject Coordinates Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
In-Reply-To:  <[log in to unmask]>
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The proposal was clear that the format will not dictate what form the data
will be in, i.e. D/M/S or decimal degrees. There is a place to put the
source of the data which may itself imply a particular collection method,
but there is not a special subfield for collection method. The source
will give some clue as to the accuracy of the data I would think.

Rebecca

On Thu, 6 Jul 2006, Houghton,Andrew wrote:

> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Subject Coordinates Discussion List 
> > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Joe Aufmuth
> > Sent: 03 July, 2006 09:43
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Re: [SUBCOOR] The proposal passed MARBI!
> > 
> > If we're going to use GPS for authority records, what level 
> > of accuracy will be acceptable?  Will there be a standardized 
> > method of collection?  Typical handheld "walmart" receivers 
> > greatly vary in their measurements.  Elevations in particular 
> > can be quite poor.  So, who will be generating the authority 
> > records and the subsequent coordinates and elevations?  
> > Surveyors?  GNIS?  NGA? Catalogers?  Who will be testing the 
> > accuracy of the coordinates used?
> 
> The question is how important *is* accuracy?  That handheld
> Wal-Mart receiver might be +/- 30 meters and a surveyor's unit
> in the centimeters range.  Does that really make a difference
> when a patron wants to know the general vicinity someplace is?
> 
> Now, these coordinates could be used for other purposes, where
> accuracy might be an issue.  However, lets say there is a local
> place of historical significance to your community.  It doesn't
> appear in any GNIS database.  So are you going to pay a surveyor
> several hundred dollars to give you the coordinates or are you
> just going to send someone to the place with a handheld unit to
> take measurements?
> 
> Certainly the answer to that question depends on a number of 
> factors.  The format should provide information on the collection 
> method.  When a more accurate method is available, then certainly 
> it would be best to record that information or update the originally 
> collected information.
> 
> The point being, the format shouldn't dictate one collection method 
> over another, but provide a place to record the type of collection 
> method in addition to the actual coordinates. [in a separate subfield
> from the coordinates, please, which will make machine processing and
> indexing easier]
> 
> 
> Andy.
>