A method for calibrating mapping camera and cubic prism coordinate system was introduced. The transformation matrix

calibration method and precision of the coordinate system were investigated. The relation of coordinate system was calculated

and the transformation matrix for coordinate system was established.Then

the angles between the mapping camera and the cubic prism coordinate system were tested by combining of high-accuracy 2D turntable

0.5″ theodolite and autocollimation telescope. Finally

the calibration precision was analyzed. The error analysis indicates that the precision is smaller than 2″(1

σ

)

which shows that the method can meet the requirements of calibrating mapping camera and cubic prism coordinate system and is valuable for practical application.