ETRS89PRN

ETRS89PRN refers to a geodetic datum that combines the European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 (ETRS89) with a specific realization of the global International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS). ETRS89 is a geodetic datum established in 1989 that is fixed with respect to the stable European tectonic plate. It ensures that coordinates within Europe remain stable over time, independent of tectonic plate movement.

The "PRN" in ETRS89PRN typically denotes a particular realization or epoch of the ITRS that has been aligned with ETRS89. Realizations of ITRS are snapshots of the Earth's crustal deformation at a specific point in time. Different ITRS realizations (e.g., ITRF2000, ITRF2008, ITRF2014) are produced by processing vast amounts of geodetic data from techniques like GPS, VLBI, and SLR. When one of these ITRS realizations is chosen and aligned to be consistent with ETRS89, it can be referred to as a specific ETRS89 realization.

Therefore, ETRS89PRN signifies a geodetic reference frame that is both tied to the stable European continent through ETRS89 and based on a scientifically defined global terrestrial reference frame at a particular epoch. This allows for consistent and accurate positioning within Europe, taking into account the Earth's dynamic nature. The specific ITRS realization used would typically be indicated alongside ETRS89PRN, for instance, ETRS89 (ITRF2008 realization).