# Presentation: 188836

- NOAA's National Geodetic Survey

- FAQ

- Height Modernization

**Notes:**
Good morning As you know, my name is zelda lecoat, 
I would to thank Montana Dot for inviting The National Geodetic Survey.
I'm pleased to talk with you today about Height Modernization and its benefits.

For the next few minutes, I'd like to share with you some the frequently asked question about Height Modernization.
I will describe our Mission at the national Geodetic Survey
define height Modernization and talk about program objectives 
_ appropriation  
and states receiving  Funding Partnerships
Pause
The mission is to define and , Maintain and provide access to the NSRS
 to meet our nation’s  economic, social, environmental needs

And to be
World leader in geospatial activities, including the development
 and
 promotion of standard, specification, and guidelines

The NSRS provides the foundation for transportation and communication;
mapping and charting;        and a multitude of scientific and engineering applications.

Pause
NGS develops Federal standards for geodetic surveys and
is Committed to making transportation and navigation safer,

## 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.

Curt will give more details about the specification and guidelines

## 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.

## 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 

**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**** **

- Accurate heights will:

**Notes:**
Knowing accurate heights for both runway and airplane can assist a pilot in a near-blind landing situation.  I do a lot of flying so this is particularly important to me!
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:

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
improve the efficiency and reliability of water delivery systems

## Why Is Height Modernization Needed?

**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 **

**Notes:**
Accurate positioning and heights are necessary for engineering and construction projects, they ensure safe transportation of goods and people, by land, air, or sea.
FEMA is in the process of modernization their flood insurance rate maps.  If the maps are “modernized” based on old elevation data, the maps will not accurately depict the risk of flooding in an area.  Updating the bench marks with new observations, and referencing them to the current national geodetic vertical datum, the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88),  these heights will provide a true picture of how water will flow.  NAVD88 heights can then be related to tidal datums, and contribute to developing accurate storm surge models and other tools.
And of course we know that leveling is an expensive process.  Developing the vertical network in a state can provide data NGS needs to update geoid models.  Curt will show you how a good geoid model will enable you to then use GPS to determine accurate orthometric heights.

Aid in the transport of goods, and people; by auto ships 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 

## Local Issues – Forest Fires, Mudslides, Flooding

**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

**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  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.

## 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

## 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 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.

## 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

**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

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

**Notes:**
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 Louisiana and Wisconsin.  Louisiana had similar issues with data not being adjusted into NAVD 88.  (Due to subsidence).  Wisconsin had a very active Height Mod program by the DOT.  Very active in GIS.  Problems with obsolete geodetic control and 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

**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

- 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.

**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