Project results

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MPUHG 

Final Results of the SPCRS-NM Project

Read Online - FINAL PROJECT REPORT

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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Book of Abstracts TSPCS2025

Special edition – BOOK OF ABSTRACTS

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17957669   

ISSN: 1857-9000 (printed version)
EISSN: 1857-9019 (electronic version)
UDC: 528:004

Scientific Journal Impact Factor (2023): 6.018

Publisher: South-East European Research Institute on Geo Sciences (Geo-SEE Institute), Skopje, North Macedonia      www.geo-see.org

Editor-in-chief: Bashkim IDRIZI, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo

Associate editor: Lyubka PASHOVA, National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria

Technical editor: Subija IZEIROSKI, Geo-SEE Institute, Skopje, North Macedonia

Editorial board: Bashkim Idrizi (North Macedonia), Lyubka Pashova (Bulgaria), Georg Gartner (Austria), Temenoujka Bandrova (Bulgaria), Miljenko Lapaine (Croatia), Chryssy Potsiou (Greece), Bekim Fetaji (North Macedonia), Pal Nikolli (Albania), Fitore Bajrami Lubishtani (Kosovo), Ibrahim Oztug Bildirici (Turkiye), Danko Markovinovic (Croatia), Vlado Cetl (Croatia), Ismail Kabashi (Austria), Veton Hamza (Slovenia), Michael Gastner (Singapore), Sagi Dalyot (Israel), Hartmut Mueller (Germany), Slobodanka Kljucanin (Bosnia and Hercegovina), Fisnik Loshi (Kosovo), Subija Izeiroski (North Macedonia)

https://mmm-gi.geo-see.org/thematic-issues/book-of-abstracts-TSPCS2025/ 

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Project TSPCS25 Conference held - DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17703386

International Scientific Conference

"Towards a State Plane Coordinate System: Scientific Approaches and Practical Challenges"

Skopje, October 31, 2025 (hybrid format)

TSPCS25 Conference Report - DOWNLOAD!           

Summary

The international scientific conference "Towards a State Plane Coordinate System: Scientific Approaches and Practical Challenges", held on October 31, 2025, at Mother Teresa University in Skopje, brought together participants from leading regional cartographic associations and international experts to address the critical establishment of a cutting-edge State Plane Coordinate Reference System (SPCRS) for North Macedonia. Organized by the South-East European Research Institute on Geo Sciences (Geo-SEE Institute), the conference focused on crucial themes such as existing CRS practices, legal frameworks, and implementation challenges. Key outcomes underscored the urgent need for a legally compliant CRS that aligns with European standards (ETRS89/GRS80), robust stakeholder engagement, and a clear transition from research to actionable implementation. The conference not only facilitated vital knowledge exchange but also laid a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration to enhance national geospatial systems, with effective dissemination strategies set to amplify its impactful findings through publications and digital platforms.

1. INTRODUCTION

On October 31 2025, within the framework of the national project "State Plane Coordinate Reference System of the Republic of North Macedonia (SCRS)", the South-East European Research Institute on Geo Sciences (Geo-SEE Institute) in collaboration with 8 esteemed international organizations and companies, held an international scientific conference titled "Towards a State Plane Coordinate System: Scientific Approaches and Practical Challenges". The event took place at Mother Teresa University in Skopje, with both in-person attendance and online participation available via the following link: https://www.scrsproject.mk/p/international-conference.html.

The Geo-SEE Institute, as the main organizer and under the umbrella of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), was strongly supported by the Bulgarian Cartographic Association, the Croatian Cartographic Society, the Kosovo Association of Surveyors, the European Group of Surveyors, and the Macedonian Chamber of Trade Surveying Companies as co-organizers. The event was sponsored by the Alb Matrix Group (Geo Sensors) from Albania and the company FARO Europe.

The primary objective of the conference was to present the key results of the national project, engage international experts, share experiences, discuss methodologies and findings, and explore the future implementation of the proposed coordinate reference system (CRS) for North Macedonia (https://www.scrsproject.mk).

The theme of the conference was focused on the central questions:

•          What lessons from existing state plane coordinate reference systems (CRSs) can inform North Macedonia's CRS?

•          What legal and institutional frameworks are needed for a new national CRS?

•          What technical options ensure accuracy and compatibility with European standards?

•          What practical challenges exist in implementing the new CRS?

2. PARTICIPANTS AND FORMAT

The hybrid format enabled participation from local and international stakeholders, including researchers, geospatial professionals, institutional representatives, and policymakers. The project team provided a platform for exchanging knowledge on coordinate reference systems (CRSs) and for dialogue about engineering, legal-institutional, and implementation aspects.

Distinguished presenters from North Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Kosovo, the Netherlands, and Türkiye shared their scientific findings and practical experiences related to state plane coordinate reference systems. The hybrid event attracted a diverse range of participants, including experts, researchers, and institutions working towards harmonizing national geospatial systems with European standards. In total, 67 participants attended the conference in person and 91 joined online, demonstrating strong regional and international engagement in this important field.

3. CONFERENCE PROGRAM AND KEY THEMES

The conference covered several themes related to the development of a national state-plane CRS:

• Comparative review of existing state-plane CRS in other countries to identify best practices and their lessons for North Macedonia.
• Legal and institutional issues in establishing a new national CRS to define necessary standards, legislation, and responsibilities.
• Technical/methodological options for the future CRS, including accuracy, compatibility with European/international systems, and ease of use.
• Practical implementation challenges: stakeholder consultations, migration from existing systems, interoperability, EPSG coding, and GIS applications.

These themes align with the work packages of the project (https://www.scrsproject.mk), such as WP3 (Legal Issues) and WP4 (CRS in other countries).

4. KEY OUTCOMES AND MESSAGES

Some of the major outcomes of the conference were:

• A shared recognition of the importance of a modern, accurate, legally-conforming CRS for North Macedonia that aligns with European standards and supports GIS, surveying, mapping, and National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).
• Good practice examples from other countries were discussed, which will help inform the design of the new system. Insights from other countries highlight the importance of strong institutional frameworks.
• Institutional stakeholders emphasized the need for clear legal mandates, coordination among relevant bodies (surveying, mapping, and geospatial agencies), and training for practitioners. A successful rollout requires careful planning, thorough stakeholder consultation, and effective capacity building.
• Technical options were analyzed: balancing high accuracy and compatibility with usability for national applications.
• Implementation steps were outlined, including stakeholder consultation, migration planning from current systems, pilot tests, capacity building, and dissemination of the project results.

·        The project team reaffirmed that the next phase will transition from research to action, focusing on preparing for the adoption of the new CRS, supporting institutions, and ensuring the sustainable use of the system.

5. PUBLICATIONS AND DISSEMINATION

The conference serves as a milestone for disseminating the project's findings and engaging the geospatial community. The project website announced the event and related content. The conference announcement was posted on the GeoSEE website on September 15, 2025, and information about the successfully held conference was published on November 1, 2025.

Following the conference, the GeoSEE Institute will implement a plan to publish a book of abstracts with a DOI index and inclusion in the DOAJ. Additionally, presentations will be published on the conference website, ensuring that the conference outputs achieve visibility in international databases.

6. RELEVANCE OF THE CONFERENCE TOPIC

For those working in surveying, large-scale mapping, cadaster, geodesy, engineering geodesy, urban planning, GIS, environmental monitoring, etc., the establishment of a new national state-plane CRS based on ETRS89 datum with GRS80 Earth ellipsoid, and ground to grid map projection, is highly relevant:

• It will provide improved spatial accuracy and consistency across survey, cartography, civil engineering, GIS, and monitoring datasets.
• Aligning national spatial data with a modern reference system and the well-established OGC and ISO geospatial standards enhances interoperability with EU datasets, making cross-border environmental studies more robust.
• Discussions on the institutional and legal framework help contextualize the challenges that may arise in data harmonization, metadata standards, and regulatory compliance.

·        Technical insights from the conference can help define the methodology for integrating spatial data from multiple sources (geodetic survey, remote sensing, GIS) and establishing baseline reference systems.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS AND NEXT STEPS                                          

Based on the conference abstracts, presentations, and panel discussions, the following recommendations emerge:

1. Engage with the project outcomes: Review the technical options and legal frameworks presented and assess how they align with spatial datasets and GIS workflows.
2. Prepare for migration: If the monitoring database currently uses older coordinate systems or local datums, plan for transformation to the future state‐plane CRS to ensure consistency.
3. Capacity building: To ensure that the team has the appropriate competencies and is familiar with geodetic transformations, datum shifts, projection changes, and metadata documentation - topics that were highlighted at the conference.
4. Collaboration and feedback: To actively participate in stakeholder consultation phases, sharing the specific needs of organizations, institutions, or private companies, so that the design of the national system meets these use cases.
5. Leverage interdisciplinary integration: The conference demonstrated the value of bringing together surveying/geodesy, cartography/mapping, GIS, legal/institutional, and practical application domains. For the SCRS project, maintaining awareness and seeking feedback on all these dimensions (legal, institutional, technical) is crucial when designing new CRSs.

8. CLOSING REMARKS

The international scientific conference on the state-plane coordinate system marked a key step in advancing the theory of state-plane coordinate systems and map projections for large-scale mapping. By bringing together science, practice, and policy, the event strengthened the foundation for a modern national CRS that will benefit geospatial applications, environmental monitoring, surveying, topographic mapping, cadastre, civil engineering, GIS, and all national-level activities related to geospatial data and information. For practitioners and researchers, this development offers a timely opportunity to align projects and data infrastructures with evolving national standards, enhance data interoperability, and strengthen the scientific quality of analyses.

Prepared by

Bashkim Idrizi, Chair, and

Lyubka Pashova, Co-chair. 

Scientific committee

Bashkim Idrizi (Chair, North Macedonia), Lyubka Pashova (Co-chair, Bulgaria), Georg Gartner (Austria), Temenoujka Bandrova (Bulgaria), Miljenko Lapaine (Croatia), Chryssy Potsiou (Greece), Bekim Fetaji (North Macedonia), Pal Nikolli (Albania), Fitore Bajrami Lubishtani (Kosovo), Ibrahim Öztuğ Bildirici (Türkiye), Danko Markovinovic (Croatia), Vlado Cetl (Croatia), Ismail Kabashi (Austria), Veton Hamza (Slovenia), Michael Gastner (Singapore), Sagi Dalyot (Israel), Hartmut Mueller (Germany), Slobodanka Kljucanin (Bosnia and Hercegovina), Fisnik Loshi (Kosovo), Subija Izeiroski (North Macedonia).

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Acknowledgements

The GeoSEE is grateful to the co-organizers, presenters and participants of the conference, as well as to the sponsors for their financial support, valuable input, and feedback.