>The plural of datum is data.
I don't want to get into a massive argument about this (and honestly ...
a spelling correction to a public mailing list? How tacky; I
would have at least sent it privately) ... but there is not universal
agreement on this. From the following web page:
http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutgrammar/data
Strictly speaking, data is the plural of datum, and should be used with
a plural verb (like facts). However, there has been a growing tendency
to use it as an equivalent to the uncountable noun information,
followed by a singular verb. This is now regarded as generally
acceptable in American use, and in the context of information
technology. The traditional usage is still preferable, at least in
Britain, but it may soon become a lost cause.
(As an American I apologize for this, along with our improper spelling
of "color" and whole "billions" confusion).
Within the context of GPS I have always seen people refer to the plural
of "datum" as "datums" (e.g., http://www.gpsinformation.net); I have
_never_ seen anyone refer to multiple GPS datums as "data". Several online
dictionaries say for datum, "plural: data or datums", and at least one
reference I found says "In rare instances, the plural datums may be used,
specifically when datum refers to a reference or standard value".
Here's a more complete discussion:
http://johnquiggin.com/index.php/archives/2003/08/18/data-is-not-the-plural-of-datum/
Which includes the following:
In Latin, data is the plural of datum ('something given'). The word
'datum' is used in English, but is an archaism, except for a
specialised use in surveying.
--Ken
