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SURFACE VEHICLE J182™ NOV2020

RECOMMENDED PRACTICE Issued 1973-09

Revised 2020-11

Superseding J182 JUL2015

Motor Vehicle Fiducial Marks

and Three-Dimensional Reference System

RATIONALE

Corrected figure reference and added clarification of verbiage.

1. SCOPE

This SAE Recommended Practice describes a procedure for locating the three-dimensional reference system on a motor
vehicle as built.

1.1 Purpose

For complete motor vehicle dimensional checks, a method is required for locating the three-dimensional reference system
on a motor vehicle so that points of interest (for example, driver eye location, seating reference point, centerline of motor
vehicle, etc.) can be determined.

2. REFERENCES

There are no referenced publications specified herein.

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1 THREE-DIMENSIONAL REFERENCE SYSTEM

The relationship of three orthogonal planes is established by the manufacturers in the initial design stages of the vehicle,
and remain fixed for the life of the program (see Figure 1). The planes are used to determine dimensional relationships for
components in and around the vehicle and are defined as follows:

3.1.1 ZERO “Y” PLANE

Centerline body zero plane is a vertical plane which passes through the longitudinal centerline of the car.

3.1.2 ZERO “X” PLANE

Vertical body zero plane is a plane normal to the “Y” plane. This plane is typically in front of the vehicle to eliminate the use
of negative numbers.

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SAE INTERNATIONAL J182™ NOV2020 Page 2 of 3

3.1.3 ZERO “Z” PLANE

Horizontal body zero plane is a plane normal to the “X” and “Y” planes. Its relationship to the horizontal is determined by
the fiducial mark (see 3.2). This plane is typically slightly below the vehicle for all loaded conditions to eliminate the use of
negative numbers.

3.1.4 NEGATIVE COORDINATE

The negative and positive directions are specified in Figure 1.

3.1.5 COORDINATE ORIGIN

All points of interest are described as coordinates dimensioned from the intersection of the zero planes (origin) in the
three-dimensional reference system. X, Y, and Z coordinates are dimensioned to their respective planes.

3.2 FIDUCIAL MARKS

These are identifiable holes, surfaces, marks, or indentations on the vehicle body, visible and accessible from outside the
vehicle as described by the manufacturer.

Figure 1 - Three-dimensional reference system

4. REQUIREMENTS

The minimum of three fiducial marks shall be specified, one on each side of the “Y” plane (usually symmetrical for
convenience) and an additional one forward or rearward of the first two, all as far apart as allowable and usable.
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SAE INTERNATIONAL J182™ NOV2020 Page 3 of 3

5. PROCEDURE

5.1 Position the motor vehicle on a level surface (horizontal Z-plane).

5.2 Adjust motor vehicle height and attitude relative to the horizontal Z-plane based on the manufacturer specified fiducial
marks.

5.3 Locate the dimension reference system on the motor vehicle. Locations of interest can now be dimensioned in the
actual motor vehicle with respect to the designed motor vehicle using coordinates in the three-dimensional reference
system.

6. NOTES

6.1 Revision Indicator

A change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical revisions, not
editorial changes, have been made to the previous issue of this document. An (R) symbol to the left of the document title
indicates a complete revision of the document, including technical revisions. Change bars and (R) are not used in original
publications, nor in documents that contain editorial changes only.

PREPARED BY THE SAE HUMAN ACCOMMODATION AND DESIGN DEVICES STANDARDS COMMITTEE