# Presentation: 842334

- NOAA's National Geodetic Survey

- Height Modernization

-                          Zelda LeCoat

## What is Height Modernization?

- 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.

**Notes:**
What is Height Modernization
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.

 GPS has been used to determine 
accurate positions (latitude and longitude),

but now,
by following Height Modernization standards, specifications
and techniques, GPS can efficiently establish accurate
Elevations

 for all types of positioning and navigational needs.

renee will give more details about the specification and guidelines

## How will the nation benefit
 from 
Height Modernization?

- How will the nation benefit
-  from
- Height Modernization?

## Gross Reservoir

- elevation: 7285ft

- Height Modernization reliable  heights

- Estimate River Bank Erosion

- Erosion

## Hazardous Spills

## Erosion

## Height Modernization Objective

** **** **

**NSRS**

**NAVD 88**

**GEODETIC CONTROL**

**Reliable**

**Cost-effective**

**Accurate**

**Standardized**

**Legally Established**

** ****D E F I N I T I O N**

**Notes:**
The height Modernization program objectives are:
To  establish reliable –accurate- cost-effective- standardized , and legally established heights.
As well 
Geoid Development and Maintenance
Education
Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

Information about where an object or feature is or where an event takes place is known as spatial data.  We use spatial data all the time. 
National Spatial Reference System – a consistent coordinate system that defines latitude, longitude, height, scale, gravity, and orientation throughout the United States and how these values change with time. 
 Comprised of an accurate, up-to-date national shoreline, a network of CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations), a network of ground monuments, and a set of accurate models that describe processes affecting spatial measurements.
Spatial data is crucial to economy, resource management, the environment and emergency response.
Transportation - Surface waters - Boundaries - Geodetic control - Elevation - Aerial imagery 
National Spatial Data Infrastructure – Formalized effort of the federal, state and local government, private groups to develop and use a consistent, reliable means to share spatial data.
Geodetic control is NGS’ responsibility.

## Why National  Height Modernization?

-  Significant time savings in field surveying using GPS
-  Accurate determination of floodplain boundaries
-  Precise control for digital ortho imagery
-  Accurate control for reliable Digital Elevation Models
-  Improved elevation control for GIS base maps
-  Subsidence monitoring in mining
-  Infrastructure monitoring (e.g. dam and floodwall)

- Falmouth, KY - 1997
- The Cincinnati Enquirer

**Why National  Height Modernization?**

- Accurate heights will:

- IMPROVED THE GEOID

**Notes:**
What benefits will the nation derive from Height Modernization?
Reliable elevation data is essential both for scientific inquiry and for safety and convenience. It allows people to measure, for example, how fast a piece of land is sinking (a process called subsidence).
 It improves aircraft navigational aids to make approach-and-landing procedures safer. Because it precisely pinpoints the rise and fall of land surfaces,
 it increases the efficiency of water delivery and drainage systems, and helps reduce urban and agricultural runoff and water pollution. For the same reason, it allows more precise modeling of storm-surge and pollution trajectories during extreme weather and hazardous spill even
Knowing accurate heights for both runway and airplane can assist a pilot in a near-blind landing situation. 
Knowing the elevation of flood evacuation routes along the coast, safety planners can project when to alert the public to the dangers of hurricanes and start evacuations.
Ships loaded with cargo have to know how much room they have when passing under a bridge or through a shipping channel.  Knowing the relationship between the depth of the channel, the height of the bridge, and the tides can enable shipping companies to plan how many tons of cargo a ship should carry and when it should navigate the channel.  This can save shippers hundreds of thousands of dollars, and ensure safe passage.
Flood maps based on accurate heights can save money and lives by correctly identifying what areas are in a flood plain and what areas are not.  New builders will be able to chose construction sites wisely.  And existing home owners will know if they need and qualify for flood insurance.
Knowing the slope of your fields, you can determine how much irrigation,  pesticides and fertilizer you need.  This not only saves money that could be spent over fertilizing, say, but is also better for the environment.

Studies found that accurate elevation determined through height modernization will:

Replace labor-intensive, high-cost leveling procedures with new cost-efficient GPS technology. 
Decreased survey costs associated with flood plain and other mapping and GIS activities. 
Increased efficiency and accuracy of water delivery and drainage systems. 
Improved aircraft navigational aids and safer approach and landing procedures. 
Advanced surface transportation control and monitoring. 
Highly efficient fertilizer and pesticide spreading, resulting in reduced run-off water pollution. 
More accurate modeling of storm surge and pollution trajectories. 
Improved disaster preparedness and earthquake detection. 

## 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**

**Notes:**
1994, California – Meetings to discuss height issues and whether GPS can assist in resolving them

1998 – Congress directed the NGS to perform national  Height  Modernization Study
The purpose of the  was to determined the effectiveness  Height modernization in California and North Carolina; and determine potential benefits to the nation

2000 – NGS begins Height Modernization Planning

2001 – Height Mod program begins in NC and CA

2001 – NGS studies in LA and WI
FINDINGS
Based on the above information which was analyzed by NGS, it has
been determined that participation by Louisiana and Wisconsin in
the National Height Modernization System could result in:
_ improved disaster preparedness;
_ accurate digital elevation models, enabling better flood plain
analysis and determination of flood plain needs;
_ improved coastal and harbor navigation, enabling safer and
more cost-effective shipment of goods;
_ improved aircraft navigational aids, and safer approach and
landing procedures;
_ accurate determination of coastal erosion rates and flood
plain boundaries;
_ advanced surface transportation control and monitoring;
_ improved land and marine geographic information systems (GIS)
and assessment of environmental effects on regions influenced
by water level changes;
_ enhanced agricultural practices resulting in reduced run-off
water pollution;
_ more efficient fish farming, including crawfish farming;
_ infrastructure monitoring of subsidence and erosion;
_ better management of natural resources through the use of
reliable GIS;
_ improved understanding of tectonic movement; and
_ significant time and cost savings in field surveying.
Both Louisiana and Wisconsin require improved vertical geodetic
control that would make possible the applications and benefits
listed above. They each have unique geophysical situations that
represent problems specific to their regions that would be improved
through participation in the National Height Modernization System.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The report clearly identified the need for height modernization in
Louisiana and Wisconsin. Based on our assessment of their needs,
NGS provides the following recommendations:
Louisiana
1. Perform additional GPS measurements and leveling on bench
marks to establish the basic framework of survey points needed
to support height modernization in Louisiana as recommended in

## DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS FROM LIDAR

**DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS FROM LIDAR**

- FEMA Map Modernization
-  RTK Network Coverage
-  Provide the control for the
-   Digital Elevation Models
-  Remote sensing activities

- Height Modernization
- Showcased in
- North Carolina

**Notes:**
HM has been showcased in NC as the basis for the FEMA Map modernization effort and for the RTK network coverage in the center portion of the state.  HM surveys done before ( or even after ) other mapping project provide the control used for the DEMs and remote sensing activities.

leveling, GPS, and absolute gravity collections can be done where necessary to complete geodetic networks, or verify their accuracy.

North Carolina has also launched a major effort to update vertical positions with height modernization. On September 15, 1999, Hurricane Floyd dropped 21 inches of rain on North Carolina, damaging more than 67,000 homes and destroying nearly 8,000. Many of the homeowners did not have flood insurance, because their residences were built on land that had not been designated as flood prone on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).The North Carolina Geodetic Survey began working with FEMA and other agencies to quickly update the outdated FIRMs. On September 15, 2000, one year after Hurricane Floyd, North Carolina became the first Cooperating Technical State (CTS). As a CTS, North Carolina assumed primary ownership and responsibility for the production and maintenance of new digital FIRMs. This developed into the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program, which uses height modernization to gather elevation data. New elevation data help evaluate and improve the accuracy of the floodplain maps. With North Carolina’s vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding, communities and property owners need to have accurate, up-to-date information about flood risks. 

## The Roots of Height Modernization

**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**

** ****B A C K G R O U N D**

**Notes:**
History 
California was one of the first states to benefit from the Height Modernization Program. Because California is extremely susceptible to earthquakes, local officials wanted a system in place that would continually monitor the motion of the Earth’s crust. The California Spatial Reference Center (CSRC) has developed a reference network that includes a mix of traditional geodetic marks and continuously operating reference stations (CORS). The CORS sites are permanently operating GPS receivers, and thus, are able to constantly monitor elevation changes. By using the elevation data gathered from CORS, state officials can watch how the land moves. These sites are also used in other projects, such as measuring the rise of sea levels and ensuring that ships have safe under-keel and overhead clearance.
California first state to draw attention to deficit in NAVD 88.  Hard to pin down movement in CA.  A lot of the state did not get adjusted in NAVD 88.  Especially southern California because the leveling was so old.  Grassroots effort to begin Height Modernization.
Earthquakes shown as red are > or = to 4.0 and occurred between 1852-2001
Earthquakes shown in yellow are > or = 6.5 and occurred between 1852-2003
In 1997, Height Modernization was mentioned in our appropriation language for the first time. No money allocated, but NGS encouraged to investigate the concept of height modernization.
In 1998, $1.0 M was added to NGS budget to perform Height Modernization Study.
In 1999,  Height Modernization not mentioned.
In 2000, $500K added to NGS budget to perform Height Modernization planning.
In 2001, $2.25 M 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 June 2001, NGS was directed to report to Congress about the Height Mod needs of LA and WI. LA had similar issues with data not being adjusted into NAVD 88.  (Due to subsidence). WI had a very active Height Mod program by the WisDOT. Very active in GIS. Problems with obsolete geodetic control & rapid land loss thru subsidence and erosion.

## Height Modernization Appropriations

**Height Modernization Appropriations**
- (FY01-FY06)

| Fiscal Year | Appropriations  | States |
| --- | --- | --- |
| FY 2001 | 2.25 M | CA, NC |
| FY 2002 | 3.75 M |   CA, NC, LA, WI |
| FY 2003 | 3.75 M | CA, NC, LA, WI, MS |
| FY 2004 | 9.0 M | CA, NC, LA, WI, MS, 
AL, WA, SC |
| FY 2005 | 9.6 M | CA, NC, LA, WI, MS, 
AL, WA, TX, KY |
| FY 2006 | 9.9 M | CA, NC, WI, MS, 
AL, SC, TX, KY, AZ |

** ****B A C K G R O U N D**

**Notes:**

FY 2001: CA 1.0M, NC 1.0M, NGS 0.25M
FY 2002: CA 1.0M, NC 1.0M, LA 1.0M, WI 0.5M
FY 2003: CA 1.0M, NC 1.0M, LA 0.5M, WI 0.5M, MS 0.5M
FY 2004: CA 1.0M, NC 1.0M, LA 0.5M, WI 3.0M, MS 0.5M, AL 2.0M, SC 0.5M, WA 0.5M 
FY 2005: CA 0.5M, NC 1.0M, LA 0.5M, WI 3.0M, MS 0.6M, AL 2.0M, WA 0.5M, KY 0.5M, TX 0.75, NGS 0.25M
FY 2006: CA 0.93M, NC 0.93M, WI 3.0M, MS 0.6M, AL 1.97M, SC 0.467M, KY 0.5M, TX 1.6M, AZ 0.5M, NGS 0.233M

## 
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. 

- 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.

- Who administer the funding for the HM?

**Notes:**
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. 
through the appropriations process,

States receive the designated earmarks 
While it is envisioned as a national program, funding levels do not allow for national implementation at this time. 

## How long will the process take? 

**How long will the process take?**** **

- 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_ _

**Notes:**
Depending on the plan, HM for a state could take  5 - 10 years

Is there sufficient spacing of CORS
Is leveling required
Where within a state is there the most need
Are there geologic process—such as subsidence, crustal motion 

After the process of implementation-  there would be "maintenance“
NGS would expect that the local 
and state organizations to maintain the program. 

## HEIGHT MODERNIZATION STATES

**HEIGHT MODERNIZATION STATES**

**Notes:**
These are the Height Modernization States in Purple and 
Interested states in Blue 
Spatial reference Center in California, Louisiana and Washington
The are regional leader North Carolina, and Wisconsin

We will adding the great state of Montana to interested states
When you go the HM website you can see project events  and articles about the states

## Partnerships

**Notes:**
We encourage and develop good relationships with federal, private and state agencies that share our interest.

## Spatial Reference Centers

_**Spatial**__*** ***__**Reference Centers**_

**Notes:**
NGS and CRRC partnership
The CSRC, in coordination with NGS, is currently developing a set of software named the "Pocket GPS Manager" (PGM) to support GPS campaign information exchange. PGM is designed to provide a well-defined, flexible, and platform-independent system to improve information exchange in GPS-related fields. Early development platforms include handheld PDAs and Windows XP operating systems. 
With height modernization and geodetic densification projects underway in California, a primary goal for PGM is the replacement of hand-written field logs used in GPS campaign surveys with modern information technologies. Specifically, information will be transferred from users in the field or office to central repositories using web services, xml, and network transport mechanisms

The CORS coordinates and velocities computed by CSRC are sanctioned by NGS and are the legal basis for surveying in California

NGS work jointly to provide seamless links between the databases of the California Spatial Reference Center (CSRC)
 and the NGS and to make NSRS data CSRS data available to users

Cooperate in the preparation and publication of the NAD 83 and in the production of velocity maps for use in the
 Horizontal Time Dependent Positioning ( HTDP) model

Louisiana Spatial Reference Center: To address the lack of geodetic data and to create an accurate and long-term geodetic reference system for the state, the Louisiana Spatial Reference Center was created through a partnership between NGS and Louisiana State University. NOAA and LSRC, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District and the Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors, are building a system to provide up-to-date vertical and horizontal positioning data. There are currently three cooperative Continuously Operating Reference Stations in Louisiana that make up this system. LSRC and NGS will add several more CORS stations in 2003. This ongoing program will give the required vertical datum information for addressing Louisiana coastal subsidence concerns. 

Washington

Established the Spatial Reference Center of Washington (SRCW), a member-driven non-profit organization to improve the reliability of positioning information within Washington State.
Spatial Reference Center of Washington 
Partnering with NOAA, the Spatial Reference Center of Washington (SRCW) serves as a new way of providing a spatial referencing liaison between Federal and local authorities.
 The Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the necessary geodetic services to ensure the availability of accurate, consistent, and timely spatial referencing data for Washington State.
 The Spatial Reference Center of Washington (SRCW) is working with NOAA in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of an accurate state-of-the-art network of GPS control stations
 necessary to meet the demands of government and private businesses for a reliable spatial reference system in the state of Washington. 

## OUTREACH & EDUCATION

**OUTREACH & EDUCATION**

- GPS- Derived, Height Workshop
- Height Modernization Workshop
- Height Modernization User Forums
- Corbin, Virginia Training Facility
-    Mark Setting and Recovery
- 	Leveling, PAGES processing
- 	Running ADJUST

- NEW

**Notes:**
NGS conducts a variety of height Modernization outreach and education events

in conjunction with the cooperative effect of professional societies,

universities; and international, federal, state, and local organization

## www.ngs.noaa.gov/heightmod

** ****O U T R E A C H  &  E D U C A T  I O N  **

## The Future

- 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.

**C O N C L U S I O N **

## 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