Datums

/ˈdeɪtəmz/ noun

Definition

Plural of datum; multiple pieces of information, facts, or reference points, especially in surveying and engineering where a datum is a fixed reference level.

Etymology

Plural of Latin 'datum.' In surveying, a 'datum' is a specific reference surface (like sea level) from which measurements are made, making 'datums' essential in mapping and construction.

Kelly Says

In engineering, different 'datums' (like different sea-level references) can cause massive problems—a surveying error of just one datum point can make buildings misaligned by inches over distances!

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