Modernization of the State Coordinate Reference System of North Macedonia
The project “State Coordinate Reference System – SCRS” was implemented with the objective of evaluating the existing coordinate reference system used in the Republic of North Macedonia and identifying the most suitable projection model for the national territory. The project brought together scientific research, geodetic analysis, and international best practices in order to develop a modern methodological framework for evaluating map projections and coordinate reference systems.
Accurate coordinate reference systems are fundamental for all geospatial activities, including surveying, cartography, land administration, infrastructure development, geographic information systems, and spatial data infrastructures. A well-designed CRS ensures that spatial measurements obtained on the Earth’s surface can be transformed into planar coordinates with minimal distortion and maximum consistency across the entire territory.
Methodological Approach
The methodology applied in the SCRS project is based on a comprehensive analytical framework that considers the complete geometric transformation chain between real-world measurements and their representation in projected coordinate systems.
Unlike traditional approaches that focus primarily on distortions between the ellipsoid and the projection surface, the methodology developed within this project considers four fundamental geometric layers:
the topographic surface, representing the physical terrain where measurements are performed
the geoid, representing the equipotential surface approximating mean sea level
the reference ellipsoid, representing the mathematical model used in geodetic computations
the map projection plane, where coordinates are represented in a two-dimensional coordinate system.
By integrating these four layers into a unified analytical model, the project enables a more realistic evaluation of distortions occurring between terrain measurements and projected coordinates. This approach allows the identification of projection configurations that minimize the combined deformation effects across the national territory.
Analysis of Projection Systems
Within the project, a comprehensive review of scientific studies related to map projections and coordinate systems for the territory of North Macedonia was conducted. These studies include analyses of several projection families and their deformation characteristics, including:
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection studies
conic projection adaptability analyses
stereographic projection models
Transverse Mercator projection evaluations
distortion compensation approaches
regional deformation studies for Balkan coordinate systems.
The results of these investigations consistently indicate that projection systems belonging to the Transverse Mercator projection family provide the most favorable geometric characteristics for the territory of North Macedonia.
These projections preserve angular relationships and maintain relatively small distortion values when applied within suitable longitudinal extents. Furthermore, their deformation patterns can be optimized by adjusting projection parameters such as the central meridian and scale factor.
Recommended Coordinate Reference System
Based on the analytical synthesis of scientific studies and the methodological framework developed within the project, the most suitable projection framework for the national coordinate reference system of North Macedonia is identified as an optimized Gauss–Krüger projection with a modified scale factor.
This configuration provides several important advantages:
balanced distribution of projection distortions across the national territory
improved correspondence between terrain measurements and projected coordinates
compatibility with modern GNSS positioning technologies
interoperability with international geospatial standards and databases.
The recommended CRS configuration represents a scientifically justified solution that ensures both geometric accuracy and long-term sustainability of the national geospatial infrastructure.
Contribution to National Geospatial Infrastructure
The results of the SCRS project contribute significantly to the modernization of the geodetic and cartographic framework of North Macedonia. The proposed methodological approach and projection recommendation provide a strong scientific basis for future development of the national coordinate reference system.
Implementation of the recommended CRS will support:
improved accuracy of surveying and engineering measurements
enhanced interoperability of spatial datasets
better integration of GNSS-based positioning systems
modernization of the national spatial data infrastructure.
The project therefore represents an important step toward strengthening the geodetic foundation required for sustainable spatial development and advanced geospatial technologies in North Macedonia.
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