Geoid model data
Last updated on June 27, 2024Geoid models contribute to the vertical component of the B.C. geospatial reference system so that ellipsoidal Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) heights can be converted to orthometric elevations.
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About geoid models
In British Columbia, CGVD28 is the current vertical datum. Use the HTv2.0 height transformation model to change heights above the earth's surface to approximate CGVD28 elevations. Geoid models are roughly the same as mean sea level plus the natural continuation of mean sea level under the land.
This extension must be modelled or determined mathematically. Geoid models provide the difference between the ellipsoid and the geoid. This difference is known as geoid-ellipsoid separation, or geoidal height.
A geoid model allows the user to figure out orthometric elevations using GNSS technology anywhere across the country.
Canadian Geodetic Survey
At the national level, Natural Resources Canada maintains the Canadian Spatial Reference System, Canadian Active Control System and other geodetic tools. Learn about the NRCan Geodetic Reference Systems.
Access geoid models
For CGG2013 geoid models, please visit the NRCAN Geoid Models website.
Technical information
Height Transformation Model (Hybrid Geoid Model) for CGVD28 - Metro Vancouver Version
For CGVD28, a hybrid geoid model that covers all of Metro Vancouver (MV), Abbotsford and east to Hope is available for download. This hybrid geoid model is an enhanced version of HTv2.0. It is in Management of Survey Control Operations & Tasks (MASCOT) for all geodetic control monuments in MV. This ensures that MASCOT and the Metro Vancouver Real Time Network are compatible.
The official name of this hybrid geoid model is HTMVBC00. It has been renamed to differentiate it from HTGVRDBC00. This model is equivalent to HTGVRDBC00, except it is extended to the east to provide coverage for Abbotsford:
The BYN file above can be directly imported into GPS software. Natural Resources Canada provides GPS-H, a tool that can view and extract geoid values from BYN files.
The HTGVRDBC00 hybrid geoid model is also provided below. It is the same as HTMVBC00 except that it does not provide hybrid geoid-ellipsoid separations east of the Township of Langley.
- MV Geoid File – Leica Format (ZIP, 137KB)
- MV Geoid File – Trimble Format (ZIP, 26.6KB)
- Geodetic Survey Loader (KML)
Contact us
General enquiries: GeoBCinfo@gov.bc.ca
- About GeoBC
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