Development of a MATLAB-Based Graphic User Interface (GUI) for 3D Datum Transformation using Molodensky-Badekas Model

Abstract

Datum transformation is fundamental in geospatial data analysis, enabling the integration of datasets referenced to different geodetic datums. Given the mathematical complexity of datum transformations, this study presents a MATLAB-based graphical user interface (GUI), designed to perform three-dimensional datum transformations between the WGS 84 and Clarke 1880 ellipsoids using the Molodensky-Badekas (MB) model. The transformation parameters were determined employing least squares estimation techniques using 30 common points, and independently validated using five stations. These geodetic controls were obtained from the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF), Nigeria. The estimated transformation parameters are Tx = –111.797 ± 0.099 m, Ty = –95.604 ± 0.099 m, Tz = +118.576 ± 0.099 m, Rx = 0.00000203 rad, Ry = 0.00000052 rad, Rz = –0.00001198 rad, and scale = 0.9999968 ± 0.00000038. Validation results yielded RMSEₓ = 1.41 m, RMSEᵧ = 0.16 m, RMSE𝓏 = 0.32 m, and an overall RMSE of 1.52 m, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of the implemented MB transformation. The developed GUI supports both singlepoint and batch processing, includes comprehensive input validation and error handling, and enables users to export results in comma-separated values (CSV) format. These capabilities make the tool a practical, efficient, and accessible solution for geodetic mapping applications in Nigeria.