National Geodetic Survey 101

1. geodesy.noaa.gov National Geodetic Survey 101 Brett Howe Geodetic Services Division Chief 28 June, 2013

2. What is Geodesy? Geodesy (geodetic control) is a foundational science that defines position & height Why is Geodesy important? The Earth is an irregular surface and is difficult to model. Accurate positions are required for a wide variety of applications (e.g. monitoring climate change impacts/sea level change)

3. Constant monitoring of position and height is important because the Earth constantly changes Benchmark set at 0.2m (1980)

4. NGS Mission Statement To define, maintain and provide access to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) to meet our nation’s economic, social, and environmental needs. The NSRS is a consistent coordinate system that defines latitude, longitude, height, scale, gravity, and orientation throughout the United States.

5. Source: Zurich-American Insurance Group Accurate positioning begins with accurate coordinates geodetic control (the NSRS) is the foundation for all geospatial products. without Geodetic Control as a “base map” layer, GIS applications will not work properly

6. 2 mi2 1000 m radius Foothills Lab FlagpoleNAD83 500 m radius Using Inconsistent Geospatial InformationResults in Inconsistent Positions Locations from different “map datums” Some GPS units provide 70 different datums An example of the difference in lat/long from different Datums: Riverside, CA location in NAD 27 34 22 43.99847 N, 118 56 27.89065 W NAD 83 (1986): 34 22 44.00314 N, 118 56 31.24680 W NAD 83 (1992): 34 22 44.00291 N, 118 56 31.25370 W

7. NGS and the NSRS continue to evolve The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) has been around a long time 1878 1970 1807 United States Coast Survey and the National Spatial Reference System continues to evolve with us GPS GNSS Active Control (CORS) Passive Control (Monuments)

8. The Expansion of the National Spatial Reference System1816 - 2006 Video available at: http://celebrating200years.noaa.gov/foundations/spatial/survey_network.html

9. Major Programs of NGS 1) How we are modernizing the NSRS 2) NGS Products and Services CORS GRAV-D Height Modernization OPUS ECO Coastal Mapping Emergency Response Imagery GPS Satellite Orbits VDatum Airport Surveys State Advisor Program

10. Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS/ • CORSEnable accurate positing and provide accurate interface between land and ocean observing systems • Co-located with tide stations, CORS can contribute to local and global sea-level rise calculations by measuring land subsidence relative to water levels. • CORS data can also used to monitor and predict the distribution of moisture and electrons in the atmosphere; as well as produce ionosphere models of total electron content (TEC) that impact GNSS-derived position accuracy. 2014 CORS Network ~ 1900 Stations

11. Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS/ • Over 2.8 millions solutions processed since 2002 • Processed automatically on NGS computers • Solution via email - in minutes Fast, easy, consistent access to NSRS

12. GPS Satellite Orbits http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/orbits/ NGS is one of several Analysis Centers (AC) of the International Global Navigation Satellite Systems Service (IGS). • The accuracy of a user-determined GPS position is directly related to the accuracy of the GPS orbit information used. • Data from Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) and IGS stations are used to determine GPS satellite orbits, station positions, and Earth orientation.

13. Height Modernization http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/heightmod/Regional.shtml Height Modernization is used to determine accurate heights using GPS/GNSS, along with traditional leveling, gravity, and modern remote sensing observations. Examples of Height Modernization applications: • Dam, levee safety • Evacuation planning • Hazard mitigation • Flood-plain mapping • Subsidence monitoring • Determining high-water marks

14. Evacuation Route Analysis Height Modernization is making evacuation routes safer for citizens who may need to escape from flood-prone areas.

15. Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum (GRAV-D) http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/GRAV-D/ • GRAV-D is a project to collect gravity data to redefine the Vertical Datum of the USA by 2022 (at current funding levels) • Target: 2 cm accuracy relative to sea level (orthometric heights) using GPS/GNSS and a geoid model. GRAV-D Status 5-1-14: 35%

16. VDatum Ellipsoidal Datums http://vdatum.noaa.gov/ • All elevation data are referenced to a vertical datum • BUT there are many different vertical datums in use around the nation • For elevation data sets to be blended together they must be referenced to the same vertical datum: • VDATUM provides a solution!! WGS 84, NAD 83 (NSRS) +17 others Orthometric Datums (MSL) NAVD 88, NGVD 29 Tidal Datums MHHW, MHW, MTL, DTL, LMSL, MLW, MLLW

17. NGS Ecosystem and Climate Operations(ECO) Activities http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/web/science_edu/ecosystems_climate/ • The NGS ECO program is working to apply precise positioning models, tools and techniques for marsh restoration and to support community resilience in response to climate change. • ECO also develops guidelines for collecting elevation data and monitoring in restoration projects. Courtesy USGS, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

18. Coastal Mapping Program (CMP) http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/RSD/cmp.shtml • NGS delineates produces the Nation’s national shoreline which defines our nation’s territorial limits. • Up-to-date shoreline is an integral component of NOAA Nautical Charts and supports a wide range of coastal applications. • NGS uses multiple remote sensing technologies (imagery, lidar, radar, etc) from various sources (aircraft, satellites) to survey the shoreline and we continually assess new technologies and workflows.

19. Emergency Response Imagery http://storms.ngs.noaa.gov/eri_page/index.html To support NOAA national security and emergency response requirements, NGS collects high resolution, geo-referenced imagery of the effects of disasters such as hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes.

20. Aeronautical Survey Program http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/AERO/aero.html NGS has a long standing relationship with the FAA to conduct airport surveys used to develop runway approach procedures and obstructions charts. Activities include: • QA/QC third party aeronautical survey data (primary function). • Develop survey standards, guidelines, tools, and models to assist surveyors conducting aeronautical surveys. • Provide positional, height, and orientation data to the FAA in support of the National Airspace System (NAS) and safe navigation.

21. State Advisor Program http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/ADVISORS/AdvisorsIndex.shtml The NGS Geodetic Advisor Program: • Currently provides either a jointly-funded NOAA employee or a State designated coordinator residing in the state to guide and assist the state's geodetic and surveying programs. • Is transitioning o a regional approach, meaning more coverage but fewer advisors. for a current list, visit: http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/ADVISORS/AdvisorsIndex.shtml

22. NGS provides the Geospatial Infrastructure Critical to Our Economy through the NSRS Aviation Satellite Operations Precision Agriculture Surveying & Mapping Disaster Response Trucking & Shipping Fishing & Boating Oil Exploration Personal Navigation

23. The NSRS Supports: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NSRS positioning data provides the reference for NOAA’s Nautical Charts, among many other geospatial applications Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA uses NSRS elevations to determine flood zones for the National Flood Insurance Program United States Army Corps of Engineers USACE uses NSRS elevations to determine levee heights and positions in their Levee Safety Program United States Geological Survey USGS uses the NSRS to geospatially reference their Topographic Maps and interior water data for the nation National Geospatial Intelligence Agency NSRS gravity data contributes to the geospatial mission of NGA

24. Location, Location, and Elevation! NGS Positioning Products Worth Billions! http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/PUBS_LIB/Socio-EconomicBenefitsofCORSandGRAV-D.pdf NSRS worth $2.4 billion per year, $22 billion over 15 years at a discounted rate. CORS worth $758 million per year; $6.9 billion over 15 years at a discounted rate. GRAV-D worth $522 million per year through implementation of a new national vertical datum; $4.8 billion over 15years at a discounted rate, which includes $2.2 billion for improved floodplain management alone. One page handout available at: http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/INFO/OnePagers/socio_eco_handout.pdf

25. Coastal Mapping Program Benefits http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/web/news/Big_Benefits_from_NGS_Coastal_Mapping.shtml There is a huge cost-benefit associated with NGS’ Coastal Mapping Program: Total economic Benefits estimated in excess of $200 million per year Combined direct and indirect return of $35 for every $1 in program cost CMP supports ~1500 jobs including 40 FTE jobs within the CMP and its contractors.

26. The National Geodetic Survey 10 year plan http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/web/news/Ten_Year_Plan_2013-2023.pdf Support the Users of the National Spatial Reference System. Modernize and Improve the National Spatial Reference System. Expand the National Spatial Reference System Stakeholder Base through Partnerships, Education and Outreach. Develop and Enable a Workforce with a Supportive Environment. Improve Organizational and Administrative Functionality.

27. What’s Next for Geodetic Datums?

28. New Datums Coming in 2022 • A new geometric and a new geopotential (vertical) datum will be released together in 2022 • The realization of the new datums will be through GNSS receivers • NGS will provide tools to allow for easy transformation between the new and old datums

29. How the New Datums Will Affect You • New geometric datum will change latitude, longitude, and ellipsoid height by between 1 and 2 meters. • The new vertical (geopotential) datum will change heights on average 50 cm (20”), with a 1 meter (39”) tilt towards the Pacific NW

30. How can you prepare (generally)? • Watch for upcoming NGS status conferences/reports/webinars • Understand the impact of changing positions and heights for your community, company or agency • Communicate your issues directly to NGS • NGS Info Center • State /Regional Geodetic Advisor http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/ADVISORS/AdvisorsIndex.shtml • Joe Evjen – joe.evjen@noaa.gov – Geometric Datum Manager • Mark Eckl – mark.eckl@noaa.gov – Geopotential Datum Manager

31. How can you prepare (technical version)? • Move to newest realizations • NAD 83(2011) epoch 2010.00 • USGG12 (gravimetric geoid) / GEOID12A (hybrid geoid) • Obtain precise ellipsoid heights on NAVD 88 bench marks (OPUS-DB, contact NGS Geodetic Advisor) • Improves hybrid geoid models and provides “hard points” in new vertical datum • Follow new NGS Guidelines when released • Move off of NGVD 29 to NAVD 88 • Understand the accuracy of VERTCON in your area • Move away from passive marks to GNSS • Especially move off of classical passive control • Require/provide complete metadata for all mapping contracts • How did they get the positions/heights? Document it!!

32. NGS Workshop, Conference and Training Opportunities http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/web/science_edu/training/ Training Classes Workshops/Conferences Online Learning Resources http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/multimedia/

33. NGS Presentations Library http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/web/science_edu/presentations_library/

34. Sign up for NGS Training Notifications http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/web/science_edu/training/

35. Sign up for NGS ListServe http://www.geodesy.noaa.gov/

36. Questions?