GDA Converter

GDA Converter is a program specially designed to convert MapInfo files from the old Australian Geodetic Datum (AGD) to the new Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA) using the distortion modeling method which is the most accurate method possible.
Replacement of the AGD used in Australia with the GDA is recommended in order to:

•	provide consistency of Australia's mapping datum with international coordinate systems
•	attain alignment with Australian State and Territory support of the conversion to GDA, and
•	provide consistency between global positioning system (GPS) readings and mapping data, overcoming a 200 m difference between AGD and GPS coordinates.

The GDA Converter software can convert any type of MapInfo file in either an AGD66 or AGD84 datum (Australian Map Grid (AMG), NSW Integrated Survey Grid (ISG), ACT Standard Grid or latitude and longitude) to the new GDA coordinate system. The program runs within MapInfo Professional as a MapBasic application. It has been designed to convert single files or to do uninterrupted bulk conversions of files. Many safeguards have been put in place so you can be confident that your data is converted correctly.Unlike some converters, GDA Converter retains all the elements of the original file such as symbology, indices, metadata and any other special features that may exist in the files.
The GDA Converter software can translate the following files:

File Types	Comments
Native TAB Files	Indices and symbology preserved
DBF TAB Files	Indices and symbology preserved
Native Version 2 TAB Files	Indices and symbology preserved
Views
Seamless Tables	Option to do sub tables
Raster Tables	Only the TAB file is converted. Image is not affected.
MapInfo Workspaces	Option to also convert the tables in the workspace.
MapInfo Geosets	Option to also convert the tables in the geoset.

The GDA Converter software performs the following checks in MapInfo tables and workspaces prior to conversion :

MapInfo Tables

Checks whether the user has 'write' file access to be able to modify the table. Tables which have 'read only' status or which are locked due to editing are not converted. Checks whether .TAB files have any special features in them prior to opening them, such as note messages, metadata or calling mapbasic applications. This check is to prevent any unexpected events that may occur while opening the table. For example, .TAB files having a note message will cause a bulk conversion to be paused until a user manually clicks the 'OK' button on the note. Checks whether the table is already on the GDA94 datum so it will not be converted again. Checks whether the table has an AGD projection or unprojected latitude or longitudes coordinates (if this option is selected). Only these projections are converted. Checks for a bounds statement within the projection clause and transfer the bounds to the newly converted table. Checks for nonstandard Mapinfo tables such as views, raster and seamless tables as each type will require a different process for transformation.

MapInfo Workspaces

Checks whether the user has 'write' file access in order for the conversion engine to be able to modify the workspace. Checks for projection clause statements within the workspace and replaces them with the GDA projection clause. Checks for any custom labels with the workspace and moves them accordingly. Checks the position of any map windows within the workspace and repositions them accordingly. Checks whether the workspace has been already converted by the GDA Converter.

MapInfo Geosets

Checks whether the user has 'write' file access in order for the conversion engine to be able to modify the geoset. Checks for projection clause statements within the geoset and replaces them with the GDA projection clause. Checks the position of the map window within the workspace and reposition it accordingly. Checks whether the geoset has been already converted to GDA.

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