Jordan TM (Jordan Transverse Mercator | EPSG:3144)
Jan 23,2026

GISBox is a one-stop 3D GIS data editing, conversion and publishing platform that supports editing in multiple GIS formats such as OSGB/GEOTIFF/RVT, converting to 3DTiles/Terrain and publishing.

Introduction

Jordan TM (Jordan Transverse Mercator | EPSG:3144) is a projected coordinate system officially adopted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for national mapping and surveying purposes. Developed under British technical influence during the mid-20th century, this system serves as Jordan's primary framework for topographic mapping, land administration, and infrastructure development. While modern GNSS-compatible systems are increasingly utilized, Jordan TM remains essential for interpreting historical geographic data and maintaining continuity in the country's geospatial records.

Coordinate System Composition

Jordan TM (EPSG:3144) is a Transverse Mercator projection system based on the Jordanian national datum (Clarke 1880 ellipsoid). Its central meridian is defined at 37° East with a scale factor of 0.9998, and coordinates are expressed in meters using a false easting of 500,000 meters. The system provides coverage across Jordan's entire territory, from the Jordan Valley to the eastern desert regions, optimized for the country's elongated north-south orientation.

Pros

National Cartographic Standardization: Establishes a unified coordinate reference for all official topographic mapping at scales 1:50,000 and larger across Jordan
Optimized for National Geography: Specifically designed for Jordan's territorial shape and extent, providing consistent accuracy throughout the country
Administrative and Legal Compatibility: Formally adopted for cadastral surveying and land registration, ensuring legal validity in property transactions
Technical Continuity: Maintains compatibility with Jordan's historical surveying methods while incorporating modern projection mathematics

Cons

Limited Regional Applicability: Designed exclusively for Jordan's territory with rapidly decreasing accuracy in neighboring countries
Non-Geocentric Reference System: Based on the Clarke 1880 regional ellipsoid rather than global reference systems, creating incompatibility with GPS coordinates
Dual System Complexity: Requires transformation when working with Jordan's newer IGD05/12 system used for GNSS applications
Scale Distortions: Exhibits measurable scale distortions in Jordan's eastern desert regions due to the projection's characteristics

Application Scenario

Jordan TM is primarily employed in historical data management, cadastral administration, and legacy system maintenance. It serves as the reference system for interpreting and processing Jordan's national topographic map series, historical land registry documents, and infrastructure plans developed before the widespread adoption of GNSS technology. The coordinate system enables the integration of historical agricultural land records, water resource management documents, and archaeological site mappings into modern GIS workflows. Additionally, it remains legally mandated for certain land administration procedures and boundary demarcations, particularly in rural and desert regions where historical surveying records form the basis of current land rights.