CoordiMate

GDA94 to GDA2020 Explained

GDA94 and GDA2020 are Australian datums or reference frames.

Australia moves over time due to tectonic motion, so modern and legacy coordinate reference frames can differ.

GDA94 to GDA2020 conversion can move coordinate values by about 1.8 metres, and the related MGA94 vs MGA2020 difference follows the same datum change.

Check the datum before combining GPS, GIS, survey, mining, or engineering coordinate data.

GDA94 to GDA2020 Australian datum shift visual guide — Visual comparison of GDA94 and GDA2020 showing Australian datum shift, reference epochs, MGA94 and MGA2020.

Search intents covered

GDA94 to GDA2020, GDA94 vs GDA2020, difference between GDA94 and GDA2020, GDA2020 datum, Australian datum shift, Australia datum shift, MGA94 vs MGA2020, difference between MGA94 and MGA2020, GDA94 transformation, GDA2020 transformation, NTv2 grid file

Common questions

What is the difference between GDA94 and GDA2020?

GDA94 and GDA2020 are Australian reference frames with different reference epochs. Australia moved between those epochs, so coordinates can differ by about 1.8 metres.

Is MGA94 vs MGA2020 the same issue?

Yes, in practical terms. MGA94 is the Map Grid of Australia based on GDA94, while MGA2020 is the Map Grid of Australia based on GDA2020.

How should I convert GDA94 to GDA2020?

Use a coordinate transformer with the correct source and target CRS. Survey workflows commonly use official grid-based transformations rather than a simple fixed offset.