Global Area Reference System (GARS)

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Overview------Design-----Graphic-----Digital GARS(downloads)

Article in Nov/Dec 2006 PathFinder

OVERVIEW----GARS is the standardized battlespace area reference system across DoD which will impact the entire spectrum of battlespace deconfliction. It is based on lines of longitude (LONG) and latitude (LAT), to provide an integrated common frame of reference for joint force situational awareness to facilitate air-to-ground coordination, deconfliction, integration , and synchronization. This area reference system provides a common language between the components and simplifies communications . It is important to note that GARS is primarily designed as a battlespace management tool and not to be used for navigation or targeting.

DESIGN----GARS divides the surface of the earth into 30-minute by 30-minute cells. Each cell is identified by a five-character designation. (ex. 006AG)

The first three characters

The fourth and fifth characters

Each 30-minute cell is divided into four 15-minute by 15-minute quadrants.

The quadrants are numbered sequentially, from west to east, starting with the northernmost band. Specifically, the northwest quadrant is “1”; the northeast quadrant is “2”; the southwest quadrant is “3”; the southeast quadrant is “4”.

Each quadrant is identified by a six-character designation. (ex. 006AG3) The first five characters comprise the 30-minute cell designation. The sixth character is the quadrant number.

Each 15-minute quadrant is divided into nine 5-minute by 5-minute areas.

The areas are numbered sequentially, from west to east, starting with the northernmost band. The graphical representation of a 15-minute quadrant with numbered 5-minute by 5-minute areas resembles a telephone keypad.

Each 5-minute by 5-minute area, or keypad “key” is identified by a seven-character designation. The first six characters comprise the 15-minute quadrant designation. The seventh character is the keypad “key” number. (ex.006AG39)

Point of Contact: Coordinate Systems Analysis
phone (314) 676-9124, DSN 846-9124
coordsys@nga.mil

Document last modified April 29, 2013