Many surveyors are familiar with the Four Parameter Linear Transformation, what would be the advantage of using a different transformation?
A Four Parameter Linear Transformation will hold the exact shape of any figure to be transformed, and yet every re-survey will reveal a change of shape in a figure described or depicted on a record of survey, a deed description, a R/W map, or Subdivision plat, etc. which the user wishes to transform to a different system. There may be a compelling reason to use a Four Parameter Linear Transformation, especially if the figures to be transformed include curves, since curves will be transformed as arcs of curves, remaining tangent to other lines or curves after transformation. However if the user wishes to reflect a change of shape, then a Non-Conformal or Conformal Polynomial Transformation may be more suitable. This is the reason Polynomial Transformations were developed. Transformation of coordinates from one projection system to another is a common task in computing and forming Land and Geographic Information Systems, and a change of shape is to be expected, especially when one system
