Comparing the accuracy and efficiency of algorithms for converting cartesian to geodetic coordinates

A computer program written in PASCAL code was formulated for testing conversion algorithms for efficiency and accuracy. seven direct methods and seven iterative methods were chosen for comparison. Representations of the latest algorithms as well as those no longer in popular use were employed in the test.

Of the 14 methods tested, results show Bowring's 1976 iterative procedure to be the most accurate.