How is a "local coordinate system" used in surveying?

A local coordinate system is used in surveying to define a specific area for accurate measurements. This system creates a unique frame of reference tailored to a particular site or project, enabling surveyors to gather and interpret data with a high degree of precision relevant to that immediate area. By establishing a local coordinate system, surveyors can minimize errors that may arise when using broader coordinate systems that might not account for local variations in geography or property boundaries.

In localized contexts, such as construction sites or land development, having a dedicated coordinate system helps in aligning the survey data with existing structures or planned designs. It ensures that measurements, layouts, and features are communicated effectively, preserving their relationship to one another within the defined area.

The other options, while related to surveying concepts, do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a local coordinate system. Elevation transformations would involve vertical measurements defined more broadly than a local context. Mapping property boundaries and global positioning are more aligned with wider systems that connect multiple locations and may not capture the localized accuracy that a specific system is intended to provide.