Simplified Expansions of Common Latitudes with Geodetic Latitude and Geocentric Latitude as Variables

Abstract

Using the symbolic calculation program Mathematica and based on the power series expansions of the common latitude with geodetic latitude as a variable, power series expansions of the common latitude with geocentric latitude as the variable are derived. The coefficients of the two groups of formulas are based on the ellipsoid eccentricity e and the ellipsoid third flattening n, which make the expansions more uniform. Taking the CGCS2000 as an example, numerical analysis is applied to verify the accuracy and reliability of the derived power series expansions. By analyzing and calculating the truncation error of the common latitude based on ellipsoidal eccentricity e and the third flattening n expansion to different orders, we obtain simplified, practical formulas for the common latitude that satisfy the requirement of geodesic accuracy. Moreover, we show that the practical formula derived has higher calculation efficiency and easier dissemination, enriches the theory of map projection, and provides a basis for better display of remote sensing images.