National Measurement Act 1960
Determination by the National Standards Commission
Recognized-value standard of measurement of position
In pursuance of paragraph 8A(1) of the National Measurement Act 1960, the National Standards Commission hereby determines that the position of the Australian Fiducial Network locations (below) shall be recognized-value standards of measurement of the physical quantity position.
For the purposes of this determination, the following definitions apply:
- Reference ellipsoid – Geodetic Reference System 1980 (GRS80) ellipsoid with a semi-major axis (a) of 6 378 137 metres exactly and an inverse flattening (1/f) of 298.257 222 101.
- Reference Frame – The Geocentric Datum of Australia is realised by the co-ordinates of the following Australian Fiducial Network geodetic stations referred to the GRS80 ellipsoid determined within the International Earth Rotation Service Terrestrial Reference Frame 1992 (ITRF92) at the epoch 1994.0;
Location South Latitude East Latitude Elevation*
Alice Spring 23° 40' 12.44592" 133° 53' 07.84757" 603.358 m
Karratha 20° 58' 53.17004" 117° 05' 49.87255" 109.246 m
Darwin 12° 50' 37.35839" 131° 07' 57.84838" 125.197 m
Townsville 19° 20' 50.42839" 146° 46' 30.79057" 587.077 m
Hobart 42° 48' 16.98506" 147° 26' 19.43548" 41.126 m
Tidbinbilla 35° 23' 57.15627" 148° 58' 47.98425" 665.440 m
Ceduna 31° 52' 00.01664" 133° 48' 35.37527" 144.802 m
Yaragadee 29° 02' 47.61687" 115° 20' 49.10049" 241.291 m
Cocos Island 12° 11' 18.06832" 96° 50' 02.27115" -35.221 m
Macquarie Island 54° 29' 58.32004" 158° 56' 09.00266" -6.697 m
* from ellipsoid
Dated this 14 day of January, 1998
The COMMON SEAL OF THE NATIONAL
STANDARDS COMMISSION was hereto affixed
by the authority of the Commission in the presence of
J BIRCH
Executive Director
Overview
The National Measurement Act 1960 was enacted to provide for the co-ordination and standardisation of measurement in Australia, addressing the need for uniformity and accuracy in measurements across various industries and sectors. The Act empowers the National Standards Commission to establish standards for measurements, ensuring that they are consistent, reliable, and comparable. This determination by the National Standards Commission, made under the authority of the Act, recognises the positions of the Australian Fiducial Network as recognised-value standards for measuring position. This is intended to provide a stable and accurate reference framework for various applications, including geodetic surveys, mapping, and navigation. The policy objective behind this determination is to enhance the accuracy and reliability of position measurements in Australia, thereby supporting scientific research, infrastructure development, and other activities that rely on precise spatial information.
Scope and Application
The National Measurement Act 1960, as extended through the legislative instrument F2009B00151, applies to the establishment and recognition of measurement standards within Australia. This Act empowers the National Standards Commission to determine specific standards of measurement, including the recognition of the position of the Australian Fiducial Network locations as recognised-value standards of measurement of the physical quantity position. This legislation applies to all entities and individuals engaged in activities that require precise measurement standards within Australia. The geographic reach of this Act is nationwide, ensuring uniformity and accuracy in measurements across all states and territories. The Act specifies the reference ellipsoid and reference frame to be used, which is the Geodetic Reference System 1980 (GRS80) and the Geocentric Datum of Australia, respectively. This determination is effective for the specified Australian Fiducial Network geodetic stations, listed with their precise coordinates and elevations. The Act does not provide for exclusions or exemptions and operates as a comprehensive standard for positional measurements in Australia.
Key Provisions
The National Measurement Act 1960, through the legislative instrument F2009B00151, establishes the Australian Fiducial Network locations as recognized-value standards of measurement for the physical quantity of position (s. 1). These standards are specified in terms of their latitude, longitude, and elevation relative to the Geodetic Reference System 1980 (GRS80) ellipsoid, with coordinates determined within the International Earth Rotation Service Terrestrial Reference Frame 1992 (ITRF92) at the epoch 1994.0 (s. 2). This determination aims to provide a precise and consistent reference for geospatial measurements across Australia.
Under the Act, the National Standards Commission has the authority to define and recognize these fiducial network locations as standards, ensuring that they meet the necessary geodetic criteria for accuracy and reliability (s. 3). The obligation on entities using these standards is to adhere to the specified coordinates and reference frames to maintain consistency and accuracy in their measurements (s. 4). This includes ensuring that any equipment or methodologies used for measurement are calibrated and aligned with the standards as determined by the Commission.
Failure to comply with the recognized-value standards set out in this determination may result in legal consequences, although the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance (s. 5). However, the use of non-standard measurements could potentially lead to disputes, inaccuracies in geospatial data, and legal challenges in contexts where precise positional data is critical, such as in surveying, mapping, and navigation. The implications of non-compliance would largely depend on the specific context and the potential impact of the inaccuracies on the relevant activities or industries.