AFREF The Unification of Africa's Coordinate Systems: a Necessity for Africa's Development

Abstract

The geo-reference defining position is generally given as a triplet set of ordinates commonly known as coordinates namely, Latitude, Longitude and Height referenced to a well-defined origin. In the case of height, the reference/origin is normally mean sea level. The primary goal of AFREF is to create a unified geodetic reference frame for Africa to be consistent with ITRF and will form the foundation upon which all geospatial data, products and services will be based. The formal objectives of AFREF were first drawn up in 2002 and have changed little over the past few years and are to: Define the continental reference system of Africa by establishing and maintaining a unified geodetic reference network as the fundamental basis for the national 3D reference networks fully consistent and homogeneous with the global reference frame of the ITRF; Realize a unified vertical datum and support efforts to establish a precise African geoid, in concert with the African Geoid project activities and Provide a sustainable development environment for technology transfer, so that these activities will enhance the national networks, and numerous applications, with readily available technology.