GDA Logo

Contents

GDA Logo Design Elements & Concepts

logo

The logo device represents the curvature of the Earth’s surface.  The diagonal lines symbolise the old and the revised measurements of the centre of the globe.  Combined, the image has attributes of a satellite dish and of a bow and arrow, both symbols of precision.  The logo is intended to carry a feel of the space age, of looking upward and into the future.

What Does the ‘GDA’ Logo Mean on a Product?

  1. The Commonwealth, on behalf of ICSM, has decided to make available the GDA logo for use on GDA Compliant or GDA Compatible Products.  The Commonwealth is not able to directly verify a Product’s compliance with GDA, but will permit the GDA logo to be applied on Products which a manufacturer declares to be GDA Compliant or GDA Compatible.

  2. Non-compliant or Non-compatible Products bearing the GDA logo should be brought to the attention of Geoscience Australia in which case legal action may be taken.

  3. A Producer using the GDA logo must ensure any Product bearing the GDA Logo is either GDA Compatible or GDA Compliant.  These terms are defined below.  Products including written material supporting GDA implementation, or digital data, or hardcopy maps must be GDA Compatible as a term of using the logo.

To be GDA Compatible, a Product must:

  • Use a scale of resolution such that the difference between the datum used and GDA is insignificant; or
  • Be based on the WGS84 reference frame (after June 1994); or
  • Be based directly on ITRF92 or one of its successors.
  • If written, material must be consistent with the technical requirements set out in the GDA Technical manual
  • User support material must states the datum/reference frame being used or transformation algorithms used in preparing the Product.

Data or software Products that have been developed on, or converted to, or transformed to, the Geocentric datum of Australia (GDA) must be GDA Compliant as a term of using the logo.

A GDA Compliant Software product must:

  • Use GRS80 ellipsoid for all calculations (note: WGS84 is merely GDA compatible, NOT GDA compliant); and
  • Use algorithms that are consistent with those specified in the GDA Technical manual (i.e. they can produce the same results as the Technical Manual algorithms - within the limits of the accuracy required by the Product, and as documented by the Product).
  • User support material must contain a description of the algorithms and their implementation including the reference frame used.

A GDA Compliant Data product must:

  • Be based on positions calculated from existing, accepted GDA94 Positions (i.e. traceable to the AFN/ANN GDA94 positions either directly or through the State/Territory and National Geodetic Networks); and
  • User support material must contain a description of the algorithms and their implementation including the reference frame used.

Disclaimer

The Commonwealth and members of the ICSM do not represent that any Product displaying the GDA logo complies with the above standards, and disclaim to the extent permitted by law any liability associated with use of the GDA logo.

Authorisation for use of the GDA Logo is granted to a manufacturer on the understanding that the manufacturer using the GDA logo on a Product has carried out sufficient testing to ensure that the Product is in fact GDA Compatible or GDA Compliant.

Users of any Products bearing the GDA logo should independently verify that the Product is as claimed by the producer of the Product and complies with GDA standards.

How to apply to use the GDA Logo.

A licence to use the GDA logo must be obtained before use. Use without a licence may result in legal action.

To apply for a licence you should follow the steps below:

  1. Download and print a copy of the GDA Logo User Licence Application, which contains terms and conditions of use.

  2. If you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of use, complete the Application form for a licence to use the GDA logo and mail/or fax the form to Geoscience Australia.
    • Geoscience Australia        Fax:  (02) 6249 9955
      Copyright Officer              Phone:  (02) 6249 9814

    • GPO Box 378
      CANBERRA ACT 2601
      AUSTRALIA
  3. Geoscience Australia will review your Application and reply to your Application, and may seek further information where necessary. Geoscience Australia will advise you when the licence term is to commence operation.

  4. Once Geoscience Australia grants you a licence, a copy of the GDA Logo will be provided to you in a choice of formats (PDF, gif) and sent electronically through the email.  Once you have created your product, you must provide a copy of the Product bearing the GDA Logo to Geoscience Australia as confirmation of your Use of the Logo.

For more information, please contact the Geoscience Australia Copyright Officer.