Coordinate Matrix

A coordinate matrix contains point location data in 1, 2, or 3 dimensions. One-dimensional coordinates are stored as (x) values, two-dimensional as (x,y) and three-dimensional as (x,y,z). Two-dimensional coordinates can optionally be stored in x/y, longitude/latitude, or UTM coordinate systems, allowing special options in certain analytical and mapping algorithms.

 

 

 

X

Y

Point 1

1.2

1.5

Point 2

1.5

2.3

Point 3

2.9

3.1

etc.

 

 

Example of a two-dimensional coordinate matrix.

 

 

In addition to holding information about point locations, a coordinate matrix also can contain information describing the extent and shape of the study plot. This is useful for mapping of data as well as determining the proper boundaries and study area for certain analyses. By default, the study area is rectangular with minima and maxima equal to those of the observed coordinates. Details of the study plot can be customized for specific data sets. Data associated with each location is generally stored in a rectangular matrix.