The full form of ECEF is Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed.
This coordinate system is a Cartesian coordinate system that represents locations on or near the Earth. Here's a breakdown of what that means:
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Earth-Centered: The origin of the coordinate system is at the center of the Earth's mass.
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Earth-Fixed: The coordinate axes are fixed with respect to the Earth, meaning they rotate with the Earth. This contrasts with other coordinate systems, like Earth-centered inertial (ECI), where the axes are fixed relative to the distant stars.
In the ECEF coordinate system:
- The +X axis intersects the Earth's surface at the Equator and the Prime Meridian (0° longitude).
- The +Z axis extends through the North Pole.
- The +Y axis is orthogonal to both the X and Z axes, forming a right-handed coordinate system.
ECEF coordinates are often used in GPS (Global Positioning System) and other satellite navigation systems, as well as in geographic information systems (GIS). They provide a stable and consistent reference frame for locating objects on and around the Earth.
