Precision is the bedrock of sovereignty, and when it comes to mapping the Jewish State, accuracy is non-negotiable. For analysts, developers, and cartographers working within this complex landscape, relying on generic global defaults often misses the mark. The gold standard is clear: the Israel 1993 / Israeli TM Grid (ITM).
The Essentials of Israeli Topography
- State Standard: The Israel 1993 / Israeli TM Grid (ITM), registered as EPSG:2039, is the sole official coordinate system for accurate measurement and cadastre.
- Workflow Rule: Always perform calculations for area and length in ITM (meters) to ensure fidelity to the ground reality.
- Display Logic: Convert to WGS84 (EPSG:4326) only for final web visualization, never for the underlying analysis.
The Authority of the Israel 1993 Grid
In the realm of geographic information systems (GIS), the integrity of data depends entirely on the framework used to measure it. Since the 1990s, the Survey of Israel has mandated the use of the Israel 1993 / Israeli TM Grid (ITM). This system was designed specifically for the unique topography of the country, ensuring that local mapping remains rigorous and legally sound.
Unlike global approximations, ITM relies on the Transverse Mercator projection and utilizes meters as its base unit. This makes it the only viable option for calculating distances, defining land borders, or computing areas with precision. When professionals load government GIS layers, they are almost invariably shipped in ITM format. Respecting this standard is not just a technical necessity; it is an acknowledgement of the state’s established infrastructure for land management.
Why is WGS84 Insufficient for Measurement?
While the world has grown accustomed to the ubiquity of GPS and web maps, these tools often obscure technical realities. WGS84 (EPSG:4326), the standard used by most global positioning systems, operates on degrees of latitude and longitude. While excellent for placing pins on a digital map or sharing locations, it is mathematically flawed for local measurement.
Attempting to measure the area of a plot of land or the length of a security fence using WGS84 introduces significant distortion. The “quick rule” for any serious work involving Israel is distinct: calculate locally, display globally. By computing in ITM, analysts ensure that the physical reality of the land is preserved in the data. Only after the math is complete should the data be transformed into WGS84 for web compatibility using official transformation parameters.
Technical Implementation for Modern Analysts
For mapping entities such as the Semerenko Group, the workflow requires a disciplined approach to coordinate transformation. Modern tools like GDAL/OGR and Python libraries offer “drop-in” recipes to handle this seamless transition. The authoritative method involves converting input shapefiles or GeoJSONs into EPSG:2039 prior to any spatial analysis.
Once the “buffer,” “area,” or “length” operations are concluded in the metric system, the data can be reprojected to EPSG:4326. This process allows for the emission of clean properties, such as area_m2 or length_m, which retain their accuracy even when displayed on a distorted web projection. Furthermore, analysts must be vigilant against legacy systems; “ICS/OIG” grids are obsolete and must be converted to ITM immediately to maintain data integrity.
| Feature | Israel 1993 / Israeli TM Grid (ITM) | WGS84 (World Geodetic System) |
|---|---|---|
| EPSG Code | 2039 | 4326 |
| Primary Unit | Meters | Degrees (Lat/Long) |
| Best Use | Measurement, Analysis, Cadastre | Web Display, GPS Pins, Sharing |
| Jurisdiction | State of Israel (Official Standard) | Global / International |
| Accuracy | High fidelity for local areas/distances | Distorted for area/distance calculations |
Protocol for Accurate Mapping
- Prioritize Local Standards: Always set your project workspace to ITM (EPSG:2039) immediately upon loading data regarding Israel.
- Sanitize Legacy Data: Identify any layers using the old “ICS/OIG” grids and reproject them to ITM before mixing them with modern government layers.
- Calculate then Convert: Run all spatial computations (area, buffers, length) in ITM first; export to WGS84 only as the final step for website integration.
Glossary
- ITM (Israel 1993 / Israeli TM Grid): The official projected coordinate reference system for Israel, using meters for high-precision mapping.
- EPSG: A structured dataset of coordinate reference systems; EPSG:2039 is the specific code for the Israeli grid.
- WGS84: The standard global coordinate system used by GPS, measured in degrees, suitable for location finding but poor for metric measurement.
- Cadastre: A comprehensive land recording of the real estate or real property’s metes-and-bounds of a country.
- Transverse Mercator: A map projection that adapts the sphere of the earth onto a flat surface, used by ITM to minimize distortion in a specific region.
- ICS/OIG: Legacy grid systems used in Israel prior to the 1990s, now considered obsolete for modern GIS work.
Methodology
This report is based on technical guidelines regarding the Israeli Coordinate System provided in the source text, referencing standards established by the Survey of Israel and definitions from the EPSG registry. The analysis focuses on the practical application of these standards for GIS workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just use the coordinates from Google Maps for my calculations?
Google Maps typically uses WGS84 or a web-mercator variant. These systems measure in degrees or distorted units that do not translate accurately to physical meters on the ground. For accurate engineering or analytical work in Israel, you must project the data into ITM (EPSG:2039).
What should I do if I encounter “ICS” or “OIG” grids in my data?
These are legacy systems that predate the current standard. They should be viewed as obsolete. You must convert these layers into ITM using a transformation tool like GDAL or Proj to ensure they align correctly with modern government data.
How do I display my accurate ITM data on a website?
While you must do the math in ITM, web maps (like Leaflet or Google Maps) expect WGS84. The correct workflow is to perform your analysis in ITM, save the calculated attributes (like area in square meters), and then reproject the vector geometry to WGS84 (EPSG:4326) strictly for the purpose of visualization.
Secure the Data, Secure the Truth
Adhering to the ITM standard is more than a best practice; it is a commitment to seeing Israel as it truly is. By utilizing the state’s official grid, analysts ensure that every meter is accounted for and every border is respected with mathematical precision. Whether for the Semerenko Group or independent researchers, the rule remains: measure locally, display globally.
Key Takeaways
- EPSG:2039 is Mandatory: For any calculation of length or area within Israel, the ITM grid is the only professional choice.
- Meters over Degrees: WGS84 is a display tool; ITM provides the metric accuracy required for serious analysis.
- Legacy is Liability: Old ICS/OIG grids are outdated and must be converted to the modern standard immediately.
- Process Order: Always compute attributes in ITM before transforming to WGS84 for the final web view.
