Chapter 1California Coordinate System
Section § 8801
This law explains how positions on the earth's surface in California are defined using different coordinate systems. The 'California Coordinate System of 1927' and the 'California Coordinate System of 1983' utilize datums known as NAD27 and NAD83 respectively. As of 2022, there is also a 'California Coordinate System of 2022,' which uses updated reference frames like the NATRF2022 and PATRF2022. Various abbreviations are defined to understand the technical terms used in these systems. When referring to 'State Plane Coordinates,' it specifically means the coordinates from CCS27, CCS83, and CCS2022.
Section § 8802
This law section explains how California is divided into different zones for mapping and surveying purposes. The divisions are based on two systems, CCS27 and CCS83, that use different geographic projections (methods of translating Earth's surface onto flat maps).
CCS27 divides the state into seven zones, but Los Angeles County is reassigned from Zone 7 to Zone 5 under CCS83, which divides the state into six zones. Each system uses specific reference points and methods for mapping, with CCS27 using older data (Clarke's Spheroid of 1866) and coordinates in feet, while CCS83 uses more modern data (Geodetic Reference System of 1980) and coordinates in meters. The law specifies which counties belong to each zone in both systems.
Section § 8803
This law section describes how Zone 1 coordinates should be named and marked on maps, specifically using the designations “CCS27, Zone 1” or “CCS83, Zone 1.”
It outlines the geographic parameters for Zone 1, stating that its standard parallels are at specific north latitudes and that the scale is precise along these lines. The control point for these coordinates is where the central meridian intersects with a specified parallel line.
Section § 8804
This law refers to the naming and designation of Zone 2 coordinates on maps in California. When using these coordinates, maps should label them as either "CCS27, Zone 2" or "CCS83, Zone 2."
The law specifies standard parallels, which are specific latitude lines (38 degrees 20 minutes and 39 degrees 50 minutes north) where the scale on these maps should be exact. Additionally, it outlines a control point for these coordinates at the intersection of the zone's central meridian (located at 122 degrees west longitude) and another latitude (37 degrees 40 minutes north).
Section § 8805
This law section specifies naming and mapping rules for certain geographic coordinates in an area called Zone 3. Maps that use these coordinates should be labeled either "CCS27, Zone 3" or "CCS83, Zone 3."
It details the precise geographic lines (called parallels) and a central control point where these coordinates are exact. These lines are located at specific north latitudes, and the control point is where a central north-south line intersects with a specific east-west line.
Section § 8806
This law section specifies how Zone 4 coordinates should be labeled on maps, using either ‘CCS27, Zone 4’ or ‘CCS83, Zone 4’. It also defines the geographical parameters for Zone 4, including precise parallel lines where the map scale is exact and the point of control for these coordinates. The parallels are set at 36 degrees 00 minutes and 37 degrees 15 minutes north latitude, while the central meridian is at 119 degrees 00 minutes west longitude, intersecting at 35 degrees 20 minutes north latitude.
Section § 8807
This section describes how to properly name and label Zone 5 coordinates on maps in California. When using these coordinates, they should be labeled as "CCS27, Zone 5" or "CCS83, Zone 5." Furthermore, it details the specific geographic references, including standard parallels and the central meridian, which are used to ensure accurate scaling and positioning on maps. The standard parallels are at specific north latitudes, and the central meridian is at a particular west longitude.
Section § 8808
This law specifies how to refer to and mark maps using Zone 6 coordinates, either as “CCS27, Zone 6” or “CCS83, Zone 6.”
It also defines the standard parallels and control points for Zone 6 on these maps. The standard parallels are at specific north latitudes where the map scale is precise, and the central reference point is located at a defined intersection of longitude and latitude.
Section § 8809
This law section specifies the naming and use of Zone 7 coordinates as "CCS27, Zone 7" on maps. It details its geographical reference points, which include standard parallels at specific north latitudes where the scale is exact, and the control point at the intersection of the zone's central meridian and a specific parallel. These geographical parameters are crucial for precise mapping in this zone.
Section § 8810
This law describes how to express the position of a point on the Earth's surface using plane coordinates in specific zones, either CCS27 or CCS83. Each point's location is given by two distances: the 'East x-coordinate' for how far east it is, and the 'North y-coordinate' for how far north it is. These measurements are in feet or meters. The axes for these coordinates are defined relative to the central meridian of each zone. Additionally, it specifies measuring standards: the U.S. Survey foot for CCS27 and CCS83, and the international foot for CCS2022.
Section § 8811
This law states that if a land survey crosses into more than one coordinate zone, the map can refer to points within either of the zones. The specific zone used must be clearly indicated in the map's title.
Section § 8812
This law section states that before January 1, 2000, any plane coordinate system in California must be based on coordinates from specific high-accuracy control stations created by USC&GS or NGS. If a survey or map uses these coordinates, it must connect directly in the field to at least two stations of equal or higher accuracy. Additionally, any station used in the system must meet appropriate survey standards from the time of the survey, as defined by FGCS.
Section § 8813
This law section states that from 2000 to 2005, any survey or map using state plane coordinates must directly connect to at least two specific horizontal reference stations. These stations can be part of the California Spatial Reference Network (CSRN), located outside California but meet CSRN standards, or shown on official maps with positions verified by GPS to federal standards. The state plane coordinates should be based on these direct field observations.
Section § 8813.1
This law outlines requirements for conducting surveys that determine CCS83 values. From December 31, 2005, such surveys must connect to at least one horizontal reference station, which can be a CSRN station, a geodetic control station outside California, or an existing CCS83 station that meets specific criteria, even if not officially published. From January 1, 2023, surveys need to connect to at least two reference stations.
If you're claiming your survey's accuracy, it must meet standards set by FGDC or FGCS.
Section § 8813.2
After December 31, 2005, any claim about the accuracy of CCS83 values (a type of coordinate system used in surveying) must be documented thoroughly. This includes showing the CCS83 values on a map or survey record and specifying the accuracy standards used.
The documentation must detail the accuracy standards such as whether they are local or network accuracies, and provide additional data justifying these standards. This data should cover what equipment was used, the methodology and software employed, and an explanation of the procedures so others can evaluate the survey.
Section § 8813.3
This law explains the requirements for surveys that use CCS83 values, which are specific measurement values often referenced in surveys. Starting January 1, 2006, any document showing a survey with these values must also include details about the station references and their accuracy. If a survey began before this date and wasn't finished by then, it can still be completed using either the older rules or continue under the new guidelines, based on the surveyor’s choice. Other rules from the chapter continue to apply.
Section § 8814
In California, state plane coordinates can be used on maps or documents to identify property. However, for these documents to be officially recognized and serve as public notice, they must also include a reference to existing recorded information about the property.
If there is any conflict between the coordinates and the recorded information, the recorded information takes priority in determining property notice.
Section § 8815
When using the term “California Coordinate System” on maps, documents, or field notes, it's important to add a suffix to specify the coordinate version. Use “27” (CCS27) if it's based on NAD27, “83” (CCS83) for NAD83, or “2022” (CCS2022) for NATRF2022 or PATRF2022 coordinates.
Section § 8815.1
This law section says that when you display CCS83 coordinate values on a map, corner record, or any other document, you must include information about the time frame and system behind those coordinates. Specifically, you need to include a 'datum realization tag' (which identifies the reference system) and an 'epoch date' (which indicates the specific time) in decimal year format. This information can be shown as a note or a suffix following 'CCS83' to clarify when and how the coordinates were determined, such as 'CCS83 (2011) epoch 2010.00.'
Section § 8815.2
This law specifies that surveys using CCS83 coordinates must use the published datum realization and epoch date from either NGS or CSRC for a controlling station. For surveys conducted after December 31, 1999, they must be based on the "NAD83 (1992) epoch 1991.35" or a later published datum by NGS or CSRC.
Section § 8815.3
This law section states that if you're conducting a survey using CCS83 or CCS2022 coordinates and the reference times (published epochs) for the stations aren't the same, you must adjust the locations of these stations. The adjustments ensure all station coordinates match and should follow procedures published by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) or California Spatial Reference Center (CSRC).
Section § 8815.4
This law states that if a map, corner record, or document created before January 1, 2006, claims high accuracy for certain coordinates (CCS83 or CCS2022), it must meet standards set by official agencies (FGCS or FGDC). If accuracy is claimed, it must be supported with additional data about equipment and methods used, and include a control diagram.
Section § 8815.5
If you're creating a map, corner record, or survey that includes CCS83 or CCS2022 coordinates, you need to provide some extra details. Specifically, you must include a mapping angle, the combined grid factor, and the elevation used to get that grid factor for at least one spot on the map.
Section § 8816
This law states that using State Plane Coordinates for land surveying or mapping is not mandatory. Anyone involved in these activities, whether an individual, business, or government agency, can choose whether or not to use them.
Section § 8817
Before 1995, new projects in California could use either one of two coordinate systems, CCS27 or CCS83. But from January 1, 1995, onward, only CCS83 is allowed for new surveys and mapping projects. Surveys retracing older work can still use CCS27. Beginning January 1, 2025, new projects can also use an updated system called CCS2022.
Section § 8818
This law section ensures that nothing in this chapter affects the validity of land titles, legal descriptions, or boundaries. It also keeps the use of CCS 27 coordinates intact unless stated otherwise in the previous section, Section 8817.
Section § 8819
This law section allows the use of new surveying technologies and methods, even if there aren't official specifications published for them yet. It encourages innovation by not restricting surveyors to only use methods with established guidelines.