SGU introduces a new coordinate system

SGU will be gradually changing over from the RT90 2.5 gon coordinate system to a new national coordinate system – SWEREF99.

Changing over to a uniform coordinate system will simplify all future gathering and use of fixed-location information. It will also ensure interchangeability between data from local, regional, national and even global actors.

SWEREF99 – a new national coordinate system

SWEREF 99 is the Swedish manifestation of ETRS 89, a global 3-D coordinate system defined by the 21 fundamental points in the national network of fixed reference GPS stations (included in the SWEPOS network). Lantmäteriet – the National Land Survey of Sweden – is the agency responsible for geodetic systems.

With SWEREF99 as our national coordinate system, Sweden will have done much to harmonise with its closest neighbours as well as the rest of Europe. Introduction of this system at the local level will also ensure national uniformity.

Effects of introducing SWEREF 99 include the following.

It will be easier to use GPS technology
The need for transformations will be minimised
The new system will allow efficient use of data from different organisations

How will this affect you the customer?

All new material is now gathered in SGU databases using SWEREF99. A new geological database delivery stock was established at SGU in April 2009. Deliveries of data are now made from the new system.

As an SGU customer, you should begin considering how any existing geographical data in RT90 will co-exist with new data delivered under the SWEREF99 system. You can either convert new data "back" to RT90, or convert existing data to SWEREF99.

More information about conversion of SWEREF99 at the Lantmäteriet web site (new window)

SWEREF99 and our online services

Our online services are gradually being transferred to the new system. At present we have four map viewers in SWEREF99. Our other map viewers will be converted during winter 2009/2010 as we change over to a more modern technical platform. Our Map Generator, which allows you to download geological maps in PDF format, was transferred to the new coordinate system in October 2009.

Printed maps

Our printed maps, too, will be gradually produced in SWEREF99. Our existing printed maps will not be reprinted using the new coordinate system.

Contact customer services