NOAA's National Geodetic Survey

1. NOAA's National Geodetic Survey Height Modernization FAQ

2. A program within NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) that provides accurate height information by integrating Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with existing survey techniques. What is Height Modernization?

3. Height Modernization Objective D E F I N I T I O N NAVD 88 NSRS GEODETIC CONTROL Reliable Accurate Cost-effective Standardized Legally Established

4. Accurate heights will: • allow aircraft to land safely in low-visibility conditions • alert safety planners to evacuation routes that are slowly sinking and susceptible to flooding • provide ships with safer under-keel and overhead clearance to avoid dangerous collisions • identify flood-prone areas to guide new construction and reconstruction projects in vulnerable areas • allow efficient fertilizer and pesticide use and reduce costs to counter pollution from chemical runoff

5. Why Is Height Modernization Needed? • Aid in designing and constructing roads and building • Aid in the transport of goods people; by auto ship and plane • For Flood Insurance Maps (FIRM) modernization • Determining High Water marks • Replace High cost leveling • Decrease survey cost associated with Mapping and GIS activities

6. Local Issues – Forest Fires, Mudslides, Flooding • Provide accurate spatial data so safety managers can make evacuation decisions • Slope and position information enables efficient use of firefighting tools

7. Height Modernization Background • 1994, California – Meetings to discuss height issues and whether GPS can assist in resolving them • 1998 – NGS directed to perform Height Modernization Study • 2000 – NGS begins Height Modernization Planning • 2001 – Height Mod program begins in NC and CA • 2001 – NGS studies in LA and WI

8. B A C K G R O U N D The Roots of Height Modernization In 1994 - First meeting held in Sacramento, CA • Some heights in CA in error by more than a meter • GPS could be immediately used to meet some of California’s requirements • Necessary for the implementation of NAVD 88 In 1998, $1.0 M was added to NGS budget to perform Height Modernization Study

9. B A C K G R O U N D • In 1999, Height Modernization not mentioned • In 2000, $500K added to NGS’ budget for Height Modernization planning • In 2001, $2.25M added to NGS budget to perform Height Modernization in North Carolina, to support the California Spatial Reference Center (CSRC), and to support NGS related Height Modernization activities • Also in 2001, NOAA is directed to work with Louisiana and Wisconsin to assess their requirements for Height Modernization

10. Height Modernization Appropriations (FY01-FY06) B A C K G R O U N D

11. Who administer the funding for the HM? • NOAA’s NGS, administers the funding to the Congressionally designated recipient through the NOAA grant process. • HM has been funded on a state by state basis thus far. • Individual states have received funding through Congressional support.

12. Each state has its unique qualities and needs. • Is there sufficient spacing of CORS? • Is leveling required? • Where within a state is there the most need? • Are there geologic processes Such as subsidence, crustal motion How long will the process take?

13. HEIGHT MODERNIZATION STATES

14. Partnerships

15. SpatialReference Centers

16. OUTREACH & EDUCATION • GPS- Derived, Height Workshop • Height Modernization Workshop • Height Modernization User Forums

17. www.ngs.noaa.gov/heightmod O U T R E A C H & E D U C A T I O N

18. C O N C L U S I O N The Future • Continue to investigate opportunities to modify procedures and processes to improve efficiencies. • Provide outreach training and support to states interested in Height Modernization. • Continue efforts to maintain and grow the program. • Research new technology to enhance HMP efforts.

19. Questions? Zelda LeCoat Cartographer N/NGS1, SSMC3, Room 9452 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-713-3220, x105 Zelda.lecoat@noaa.gov