Wisconsin Height Modernization Program (WI-HMP)

1. Wisconsin Height Modernization Program (WI-HMP) “Improving the Vertical Component of the Geodetic Network” Colorado Height Modernization Forum 1 December 2006 Paul J. Hartzheim, P.E. Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

2. WI-HMP Early Development • Wisconsin Height Modernization Program (WI-HMP) was started by WisDOT in 1998 to improve the vertical component of GeodeticControl in Wisconsin • As part of the growing development of WI-HMP, a Wide Area Global Positioning System (GPS) Real-Time Kinematic Network is being established. Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

3. Height Modernization Objectives • Eliminate inconsistencies between horizontal and vertical control data and supplemental control where marks have been destroyed or are deemed unusable • Utilize GPS technology as a cost effective positioning tool (achieve 2-cm positional accuracy) • Decrease the cost of surveying required for transportation related projects • Provide a much more accurate vertical database to a wide variety of data users throughout the state • Complete initial efforts by 2011 Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

4. Example of WI-HMP BenefitState Agency WisDOT compared a static GPS survey and conventional leveling (before WI-HMP) verses a RTK GPS survey (after WI-HMP) for the establishment of photogrammetric targets for a highway improvement project • Horizontal and Vertical (elevations) positions were all within 2 cm (.07’) • Static GPS w/Leveling = 280 staff hours • RTK GPS = 30 staff hours WI-HMP with RTK provided over a 9:1 time savings! Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

5. Example of WI-HMP BenefitCounty Agency Digital Orthophotography field survey for accuracy check • A survey was needed by a County to verify 10 horizontal and vertical positions derived from digital orthos in one 36 square mile township • It was estimated (from past projects) to take 24 hours to perform these checks using conventional (static GPS, total station, and leveling) procedures before WI-HMP • With WI-HMP in place, RTK GPS procedures were utilized to perform these checks in just 4 hours WI-HMP with RTK provided 6:1 time savings! Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

6. Funding and Management • Funding • State Transportation Funds • FHWA State Planning & Research Funds • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Federal Congressional Earmark Funds • Resource Structure • DOT Program Manager • Three Geodetic Specialists (all Project positions) • Two Limited Term Employees • Up to 32 consultant staff personnel Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

7. Height Modernization Layout = HARN station = Primary Base Network = Secondary Base Network = Local Base Network = Existing NGS Level line = Decimated NGS Level line = New WI-HMP Level line Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

8. WI-HMP Phases Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

9. Status of WI-HMP • Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4: Fully Completed (Project Data Available on NGS Web) • Phase 5: Nearly Completed (Monuments w/ Posts Installed; Survey Complete; GPS Data Available on NGS Web; Awaiting Publication of Leveling Data by NGS) • Phase 6A: Underway (Monuments w/Posts Installed; Leveling Completed (Processing Underway); GPS Primary Survey of Field Observations Completed (Processing Underway); Secondary and Local GPS Survey of Field Observations Underway since August 2006; Scheduled Publication in 2007) • Phase 6B: Survey Planned in 2007 • Phase 7A: Monuments w/Posts Installed; Descriptions for Marks Completed; Survey Planned in 2007 Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

10. Status of WI-HMP • Phase 7B: Monuments Installed; Witness Posts Installation Underway since August 2006 • Phase 7C: Reconnaissance Completed • Phase 8: Reconnaissance of Existing Bench Marks Completed • Statewide Wisconsin Continuous Operating Reference Network (WI-CORS-NET): Compiling existing stand alone base stations; developing planning maps for installation of CORS; researching other established CORS networks; completed pilot test project to determine spacing requirement of CORS and accuracies Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

11. WI-HMP Mark Maintenance GPS Stations: Orange 4”x4” Plastic Guard Posts • Installed 3 witness posts around each monument • Established “866” number to report endangered, damaged, or destroyed monuments • Created the “Preservation of Geodetic Survey Stations Committee” Bench Marks: White “T” Plastic Witness Posts Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

12. Benefits of Wide Area RTK Network(Implementation of Technology Advancement to Height Modernization) • Eliminates the need and cost for another GPS receiver which acts as a base • Eliminates the resource time associated with equipment setup at the base site • Greatly enhances consistency of coordinate determination • Eliminates the need for permanent monumentation on a local level • Reliability and redundancy is ensured Hence, WIsconsin Continuously Operating Reference Stations NETwork (WI-CORS-NET) is Being Implemented Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

13. Concept of Wide Area RTK Network • Utilizes network RTK solutions to provide high accuracy GPS positioning over wide areas • At least four GPS reference stations are needed • Users connect into system using wireless connection • Software acknowledges the user’s field position and allows them to operate as though there is a reference station next to the rover • Software uses reference stations to calculate virtual reference station position for the rover Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

14. Development of Pilot Projectfor WI-CORS-NET • Goal is to determine spacing requirement of permanent GPS base stations while achieving 2-cm three-dimensional positioning accuracy standard • Pilot network consisted of two permanent sites (Franklin and Watertown) and two temporary sites (Germantown and Palmyra) • Equipment utilized on the project included a Trimble GNSS R8 receiver for the rover and Trimble NetR5 receivers for the bases • Pilot project performed with the cooperation and assistance from Seiler Instruments Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

15. WI-CORS-NET Pilot Project Configuration Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

16. Construction of Marshfield CORS(Concrete Pillar) Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

17. Construction of Marshfield CORS(Concrete Pillar) Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

18. Construction of Marshfield CORS(Concrete Pillar) Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

19. Construction of Marshfield CORS(Concrete Pillar) Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

20. Construction of Marshfield CORS(Concrete Pillar) Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

21. Concrete Pillar Issues • Remove 1 ½” PVC conduit and place outside monument • Redesign antenna mount utilizing stainless steel shaft Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

22. Palmyra CORS(Building Mount) Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

23. Palmyra CORS(Building Mount) Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

24. Remote Locations of CORS(Alternative Power and Internet Connections) USGS Installation - 1999 • Hayden Valley instrument enclosure, solar panels, communications antenna, and battery enclosure. Monument is barely visible in the distance, near bottom of channel midway between worker and instrument enclosure (shoulder level, directly behind partly buried battery enclosure). Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

25. Coordinate Determination of Pilot CORS • Need to have temporary Pilot CORS on same datum and adjustment as WI-HMP, i.e., NAD 83 (1997.0) • GPS survey was performed to tie HARN and WI-HMP Primary Base Stations to temporary Pilot CORS sites • Variety of problems with coordinate determination • Using correct datum and adjustment is vital to accurate testing Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

26. WI-CORS-NET Pilot Project AreaWI-HMP Marks Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

27. Results of Pilot Project Testing • Utilized Trimble GNSS R8 receiver with Survey Controller • Majority of area tested utilized Verizon for communication link, remaining area used Cingular as communication provider • 10 second observations collected at each mark • Results indicate 2 cm accuracy standard in horizontal and vertical (orthometric height) components are achievable on a reliable basis Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

28. Sample of Results Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

29. Development of WI-CORS-NET(Funding) • Received approval on extension and budget revision for FFY05 NOAA Earmark Grant • Approximately $300,000 would be allocated towards funding the establishment of nearly 24 WI-CORS-NET sites • Grant expires on 31 May 2007 • Plan is to revise FFY06 NOAA Earmark Grant to allow funding for completion of initial installation and more in later 2007 Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

30. Development of WI-CORS-NET(Technical) • Initial plan is to establish 25 permanent CORS throughout the eastern half of Wisconsin • Permanent sites would have concrete pillar design • Plan is to incorporate existing single base station receivers through possible upgrade replacement • Reconnaissance already underway for location of monuments • GPS hardware and software would be acquired through bid process • Determination needs to be made on distribution of licenses • Determination needs to be made on the availability of communication services for transmitting data Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

31. WI-CORS-NETPhase 1 Preliminary Design Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

32. WI-CORS-NETPhase 1 Preliminary Design Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

33. WI-CORS-NETPhase 1 Preliminary Design Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

34. Development of WI-CORS-NET(Management) • Coordination and management on the development and implementation of WI-CORS-NET by WisDOT • Assistance being solicited from the stakeholders (our Regions, public entities, and consultants) • Master information list containing POCs, current CORS sites, etc. compiled and updated frequently • Development of WI-CORS-NET status report is on-going • Cooperative agreement finalized, to be distributed to Partners Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

35. Tentative Implementation Timeline Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

36. Questions/Comments? Wisconsin Height Modernization Program