NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NGS 59

Guidelines for Establishing GPS-Derived 

Orthometric Heights 

David B. Zilkoski

Edward E. Carlson

Curtis L. Smith

National Geodetic Survey

1315 East-West Highway

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

(301) 713-3191

26 March 2008

GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 ii

Contents

Preface .......................................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 2

The 3-4-5 System......................................................................................................................................... 5

Three Basic Rules ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Four Basic Control Suggestions ................................................................................................................. 5

Five Basic Procedures................................................................................................................................... 6

Guideline Updates ........................................................................................................................................ 7

References ................................................................................................................................................... 9

Appendix A: Definitions............................................................................................................................. 11

Appendix B: GPS Ellipsoid Height Hierarchy and Basic Guidelines......................................................... 12

GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 1

Guidelines for Establishing GPS-Derived Orthometric Heights

Version 1.5

Preface

In November 1997, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) published guidelines for performing Global 

Positioning System (GPS) surveys intended to achieve ellipsoid height network accuracies of 5 cm and 

ellipsoid height local accuracies of 2 cm or 5 cm (Zilkoski et al. 1997). The official definitions of 

“local” and “network” accuracy as used here, are those adopted by the Federal Geodetic Control 

Subcommittee (FGCS, 1998) of the Federal Geographic Data Committee,

NGS developed the following guidelines for performing GPS surveys intended to achieve orthometric 

height network accuracies of 5 cm and orthometric height local accuracies of 2 cm or 5 cm. The 

guidelines were developed in partnership with Federal, state, and local government agencies, academia, 

and independent surveyors.

Unlike the guidelines for establishing ellipsoid heights (Zilkoski et al. 1997), this document must be 

more “loose” in its tone, as there are no requirements, mandates, or standards. The reasons there are no 

standards are as follows:

1) This document is not founded on a comprehensive scientific study, but rather on the expertise of 

many individuals within NGS who have processed GPS-derived orthometric height projects.

2) The “validation” of the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) heights may be 

called into question because:

a. The realization of NAVD 88 exists exclusively on passive marks not tracked regularly in 

time (unlike CORS).

b. The gravity field of Earth changes over time, so even if NAVD 88 benchmark 

re-leveling was regularly performed, the use of aged gravity data to compute orthometric 

corrections would have errors dependent on the local change of gravity since 1988.

c. Benchmarks disappear due to widespread construction.

Nonetheless, general methodologies for performing campaign-style GPS surveys for the distribution of 

NAVD 88 orthometric heights have been in existence for years, and this document seeks to codify some 

general rules on those surveys.

Readers may rightly ask why campaign-style guidelines are needed in an era when NGS’ Online 

Positioning User Service (OPUS) yields “peak-to-peak” consistency in ellipsoid heights at the 2-3 cm 

level, with as little as 15 minutes of GPS data (roughly equal to a network accuracy of 4-6 cm), and the 

latest hybrid geoid models of NGS have “local accuracies” as small as 1 cm over 10 km in some states. 

The answer is simply that using tools such as OPUS and hybrid geoids to achieve NAVD 88 Helmert 

orthometric heights will achieve 5-cm network accuracies only rarely, and 2-5 cm local accuracies 

occasionally (due to the combined errors of both the GPS and geoid). In contrast, the campaign-style 

guidelines contained in this document are intended to achieve those accuracies almost always. When 

tools such as OPUS and hybrid geoid models can single-handedly achieve a similar success rate, these 

guidelines should certainly be modified to reflect those results.

These guidelines were designed to assist in establishing vertical control networks on passive geodetic 

marks. Following the guidelines may produce the intended accuracies, however the intended accuracies 
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 2

may be achieved with less effort than these guidelines suggest. Ultimately, the baseline comparison and 

adjustment results will confirm proof of accomplishment. 

If, after performing a survey, a surveyor wishes to submit data to NGS for consideration of its inclusion

in the NGS Integrated Database (NGS IDB), detailed discussion of field and office procedures should be 

documented in the project report provided with the data submissions. The documentation will provide

the additional advantage of enabling NGS to analyze procedures and results meriting modifications to 

the guidelines.

Introduction

Since 1983, NGS has performed control survey projects in the United States using GPS surveying 

techniques. Analysis of the survey data has shown that GPS can be used to establish precise relative 

positions in a three-dimensional, Earth-centered coordinate system. GPS carrier-phase measurements 

are used to determine vector base lines in space, where the components of the base line are expressed in 

terms of Cartesian coordinate differences (∆x, ∆y, and ∆z) (Remondi 1984). The vector base lines can 

be converted to ellipsoidal coordinate (latitude, longitude and height) differences (∆φ, ∆λ and ∆h) 

relative to a defined reference ellipsoid.

When the use of GPS technology began, project results clearly showed that GPS survey methods could

replace classical horizontal control terrestrial survey methods. There was a problem, however, in 

obtaining sufficiently accurate geoid heights to convert GPS-derived ellipsoid height differences to 

accurate GPS-derived orthometric height differences (Zilkoski and Hothem 1989, Hajela 1990, Milbert 

1991). The interest in obtaining accurate GPS-derived orthometric heights has increased in the last 

decade (Parks and Milbert 1995, Kuang et al. 1996, Satalich 1996, Zilkoski and D’Onofrio 1996, 

Henning et al. 1998, Martin 1998). Simultaneously, research at NGS began concentrating on 

customizing geoid models specifically for use as a converter between the North American Datum of 

1983 (NAD 83) ellipsoid heights and NAVD 88 Helmert orthometric heights (Smith and Milbert 1999, 

Smith and Roman 2001).

With the improvement in both GPS-derived ellipsoid heights and geoid models, the driving question at 

NGS became “Can the accuracies achieved for GPS-derived orthometric height differences now provide 

a viable alternative to classical geodetic leveling techniques?” With the completion of the general 

adjustment of the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) (Zilkoski et al. 1992), 

computation of an accurate national high-resolution geoid model (currently GEOID03, with new models

under development) (Roman et al. 2004), and publication of NGS’ Guidelines for Establishing GPSDerived Ellipsoid Heights (Standards: 2 cm and 5 cm) (Zilkoski et al. 1997), the answer was yes! GPSderived orthometric heights can provide a viable alternative to classical geodetic leveling techniques for 

many applications.

Orthometric heights (H) are defined as the geometric distance, measured along the plumb line, from the 

geoid to a point of interest above. Ellipsoid heights (h) are defined as the geometric distance, measured 

along a normal straight line to a reference ellipsoid, from the reference ellipsoid to a point of interest

above. The geoid height (or geoid undulation, N) is defined as the geometric distance, measured along a 

normal straight line to a reference ellipsoid, from the reference ellipsoid to a point on the geoid above. 

See Figure 1 for an example of these three quantities.

Although the plumb line and ellipsoidal normal do not perfectly coincide in space, the non-coincidence

is negligible at the sub-millimeter level for heights within the United States, and an equation relating 

ellipsoid height, orthometric height, and geoid height (to sub-millimeter accuracy) may be written as:
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 3

h ≈ H + N (1)

Figure 1: Relationship between Orthometric, Ellipsoid and Geoid Heights

Several error sources affecting the accuracy of orthometric, ellipsoid, and geoid height values are 

generally common to points near one another. Because the error sources are in common, the uncertainty 

of height differences between nearby points is significantly smaller than the uncertainty of the absolute

heights of each point.

Orthometric height differences (∆H) can be obtained from ellipsoid height differences (∆h), by 

subtracting the geoid height differences (∆N):

 ∆H ≈ ∆h - ∆N (2)

Adhering to NGS’ earlier guidelines, ellipsoid height differences (∆h) over short base lines, i.e., not more 

than 10 km, can now be determined to better than +/- 2 cm (at the 95% confidence level) from GPS 

carrier phase measurements. This accuracy is possible because of the availability of a greater number of 

satellites; more accurate satellite orbits; dual-frequency carrier phase data; improved antenna designs; 

more continuously operating reference stations (CORS) serving as geodetic control; and improved data 

processing techniques. 
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 4

The GPS-derived ellipsoid height guidelines (Zilkoski et al. 1997) were intentionally designed to produce 

ellipsoid heights better than 2 cm, i.e. approximately 1.4 cm, so they could also be used to generate 2 cm 

GPS-derived orthometric heights. If the spacing between local network stations is kept under 10 km, this

helps keep the relative error in geoid height small; i.e., typically less than 0.5 cm. 

See figure 2.

Figure 2: Empirical and Modeled Residual Error for GEOID03, showing de-correlation at 10 km.

Adding a small error for the uncertainty of geoid height differences and controlling remaining systematic 

differences between the three height systems will typically produce a GPS-derived orthometric height 

with +/- 2 cm local accuracy.

Geoid height differences can be determined (in select areas nationally) with uncertainties typically better 

than 1 cm for distances up to 20 km, and less than 2-3 cm for distances between 20 and 50 km (Zilkoski 

and D’Onofrio 1996, and Henning et al. 1999). Small values for the differential geoid height 

uncertainties have been demonstrated in tests in several regions of the United States. Larger uncertainties 

can be expected in other areas, depending on the density of the observed gravity network, uncertainties in 

the determination of gravity anomalies, and errors inherent in geoid computational theory. Determining 

uncertainties in geoid height differences, through a comparison of leveled and GPS height differences,

depends on the error sources in the leveled and GPS height differences (and any correlations between the 

two). That is, applying error propagation to equation 2, the errors in differential geoid undulations 

computed directly from differential GPS derived ellipsoid heights and differential orthometric heights is:
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 5

∆N = ∆h + ∆H − ∆H ,∆h

2 2 2 σ σ σ 2σ (3)

The covariance between differential orthometric and differential ellipsoid heights are often considered 

zero in the above equation. 

The NGS guidelines allow the user to estimate a-posteriori GPS-derived ellipsoid height errors (Zilkoski 

et al. 1997). Analysis of the leveling and geoid errors is more complex and must be addressed on a caseby-case basis. With a high resolution geoid model, currently GEOID03, and valid (having a publishable 

height in the NGS IDB) NAVD 88 heights, surveys in most non-mountainous regions of the

conterminous United States will produce sub-decimeter results when these GPS-derived orthometric 

height guidelines are followed. 

Note: The term “user” in this document refers to a person using geodetic quality GPS surveying 

techniques and/or analysis of GPS data to determine height and position information.

When high-accuracy field procedures for precise geodetic leveling are used, Helmert orthometric height 

differences can be computed with an uncertainty of less than 1 cm over a 50-kilometer distance. 

Depending on the accuracy requirements, GPS surveys and current high-resolution geoid models can be 

used instead of classical leveling methods. In the past, the primary limiting factor was the accuracy of 

estimating geoid height differences; with the computation of the latest national high-resolution hybrid 

geoid model (currently GEOID03), and the development of the 2- and 5-cm guidelines for estimating 

GPS-derived ellipsoid heights (Zilkoski et al. 1997), the limiting factor is often the lack of valid NAVD

88 Helmert orthometric heights available for vertical control. Strategically, occupying (with GPS) bench 

marks having valid NAVD 88 Helmert orthometric height values is critical to detecting, reducing, and/or 

eliminating blunders and systematic errors between the three height systems.

The 3-4-5 System

There are three basic rules, four control suggestions, and five procedures necessary for estimating GPSderived orthometric heights. Detailed explanations can be found in the referenced reports.

Three Basic Rules

Rule 1: Follow NGS’ guidelines for establishing GPS-derived ellipsoid heights when performing the 

GPS survey (Zilkoski et al. 1997). Follow the specific guidelines for desired orthometric heights. For 

example, use the guidelines for achieving 2 cm GPS-derived ellipsoid heights for 2 cm orthometric 

heights, and the guidelines for 5 cm GPS-derived ellipsoid heights for 5 cm orthometric heights.

Rule 2: Use NGS’ latest national hybrid geoid model, currently GEOID03 (Roman et al. 2004), when

computing GPS-derived orthometric heights.

Rule 3: Use the latest National Vertical Datum, i.e., NAVD 88, height values to control the project’s 

adjusted orthometric heights (Zilkoski, et al. 1992).

 

Four Basic Control Suggestions

Suggestion 1: Occupy stations with valid NAVD 88 orthometric heights. Stations should be evenly 

distributed throughout the project. A previously determined GPS-derived orthometric height, accurate to 
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 6

2 cm, is considered a ‘valid’ NAVD 88 height, if it has a publishable Helmert orthometric height in the 

NGS database. 

Suggestion 2: For project areas less than 20 km on a side, surround project with valid NAVD 88 bench 

marks, i.e., with a minimum of four stations, with one in each corner of project.

Note: The project area may need to be enlarged to occupy a sufficient number of bench marks, 

even if the area extends beyond the original area of interest.

Suggestion 3: For project areas greater than 20 km on a side, keep distances between valid GPS-occupied 

NAVD 88 bench marks to less than 20 km.

Note: When possible, occupy extra NAVD 88 bench marks for redundancy checks.

Suggestion 4: For projects located in mountainous regions, occupy valid bench marks that are at both the 

lowest elevation and the highest elevation in the area, even if the distance is less than 20 km. Consider 

adding additional bench marks to get a good range of elevation change.

Five Basic Procedures

Procedure 1: Perform a 3-D, minimum-constraint, least squares adjustment (of Helmert orthometric 

heights) for the GPS survey project, i.e., constrain the latitude and longitude of one NSRS control station 

and one Helmert orthometric height value.

Procedure 2: Detect and remove all data outliers, i.e., “high” residuals, for a base line using the results 

from the adjustment in procedure 1 above.

Note: The user should repeat procedures 1 and 2 until all data outliers are removed. 

Procedure 3: Compute differences between the set of GPS-derived orthometric heights from the 

minimum constraint adjustment (using the latest national geoid model, currently GEOID03), from 

procedure 2 above and published NAVD 88 orthometric heights.

Procedure 4: Using the results from procedure 3 above, the user should determine which NAVD 88 

control stations have residuals small enough to be considered “valid” for the purposes of their survey. 

This is the most important step of the process. Determining which bench marks have valid heights is 

critical to computing accurate GPS-derived orthometric heights.

All differences between GPS observations on valid bench marks need to agree within 2 cm for 2-cm 

surveys and 5 cm for 5-cm surveys. 

Note: For most small area projects, (e.g., 20 km by 20 km, in the conterminous United States)

using NGS’ latest hybrid geoid model should produce satisfactory results (see Henning et al. 1998). 

Large areas (i.e. 50 km by 50 km) may have a systematic tilt, possibly caused by a difference between the 

hybrid geoid model and local NAVD 88 control. However, the purpose of these procedures is to 

disseminate NAVD 88 Helmert orthometric heights constrained to local control, so the reason behind the 

tilt is immaterial to this process.The simple removal of such a plane will allow a better fit to local control, 

but it does not necessarily guarantee anything more than values which fit locally. No guarantees regarding 

absolute accuracy can be made in such a procedure. However, for detecting NAVD 88 height outliers, the 
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 7

user should estimate local systematic differences between GPS-derived heights and leveling-derived 

heights by solving and removing the systematic difference [See Vincenty (1987) and Zilkoski (1993)].

Procedure 5: Using the results from procedure 4 above, perform a constrained orthometric height 

adjustment by fixing the latitude and longitude of one NAD 83 control station and all “valid” NAVD 88

heights.

The user should always ensure that the final set of heights is not overly distorted by the adjustment 

process. Distortions of this nature should not occur if the procedures outlined above are followed, 

however if they are, NGS should be contacted in case discrepancies in the local control are the root cause.

To check the influence of additional constraints on the network, compute the differences between the 

fully-constrained set of GPS-derived orthometric heights from procedure 5 and the minimally constrained 

set of heights from procedure 2. The comparison of the two sets of orthometric height differences 

between neighboring stations should not have large (i.e. > 1 cm) differences (see Henning et al. 1998). If 

the differences exceed 2 cm, it is possible an incorrect or invalid vertical control value was held fixed.

NGS has prepared several reports describing the procedures in more detail (Zilkoski and Hothem 1989; 

Zilkoski 1990a; Zilkoski 1990b; Zilkoski 1993; and Henning, et al. 1998). The reports are available from 

NGS’ Web site at www.ngs.noaa.gov/PUBS_LIB/pub_index.html.

Due to improvements in high resolution geoid models, implementation of the full constellation of GPS, 

completion of the NAVD 88 project, improvements in GPS equipment and processing software, and the 

development of guidelines for estimating GPS-derived ellipsoid heights, the steps outlined in the above 

reports need to be considered only when a problem is detected during the performance of the five 

procedures. However, the reports, although slightly outdated (because of improvements in geoid models 

and technology), should provide the necessary information for the user to understand how to perform the 

five procedures stated in these guidelines. In particular, the report titled “NGS/Caltrans San Diego GPSDerived Orthometric Height Cooperative Project” (Zilkoski, 1993) demonstrates the minimum steps 

required to estimate and evaluate a GPS-derived orthometric height project. Today, the ten steps are 

simplified into five procedures, but they may still need to be considered for some projects. 

Guideline Updates

These Guidelines are likely to be updated as results from future projects and other (modified) procedures 

are reviewed. Other procedures may also achieve the standards. The contributor should note which 

procedures in this document were not followed and how errors and systematic biases were detected, 

reduced, or eliminated by the alternate procedure. NGS welcomes the opportunity to examine alternate 

procedures and supporting data demonstrating the ability to achieve the accuracy standards stated in this 

document. If you have such data or would like to discuss alternative procedures, please contact 

Dave Zilkoski, Edward Carlson, or Curt Smith.

Contact Information

Dave Zilkoski

Email: Dave.Zilkoski@noaa.gov

Tel: 301-713-3222
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 8

Edward Carlson

Email: Ed.Carlson@noaa.gov

Tel: 808-532-3205

Curt Smith

Email: Curt.Smith@noaa.gov

Tel: 208-332-7197 

Mailing Address

Spatial Reference System Division

SSMC 3, Station 8813

National Geodetic Survey, N/NGS2

NOAA, 1315 East-West Highway

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3282

State Geodetic Advisors

Many states have a geodetic advisor whose objective is to enable others to contribute data to, and utilize 

data of, the NSRS. Because they may be aware of problematical vertical control areas within their 

jurisdiction, it can be productive to engage in discussions with the advisor. To locate an advisor near your 

area of interest, refer to www.ngs.noaa.gov/ADVISORS/AdvisorsIndex.shtml.
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 9

References

Hajela, D. 1990: Obtaining Centimeter Precision Heights by GPS Observations Over Small Areas, GPS 

World, January/February, pp. 55-59.

Henning, W. E., E. E. Carlson, and D. B. Zilkoski, 1998: Baltimore County, Maryland, NAVD 88 GPSderived Orthometric Height Project, Surveying and Land Information Systems, Vol. 58, No. 2, 

1998, pp. 97-113.

Kuang, S., C. Fidis, and F. Thomas, 1996: Modeling of Local Geoid with GPS and Leveling: A Case 

Study, Surveying and Land Information Systems, 56(2), pp. 75-88.

Martin, D. J., 1998: An Evaluation of GPS-derived Orthometric Heights for First-Order Horizontal 

Control Surveys, Surveying and Land Information Systems, Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 67-82.

Milbert, D. G., 1991: Computing GPS-derived Orthometric Heights with the GEOID90 Geoid Height 

Model, Proceedings of GIS/LIS ’91 Annual Conference, Bethesda, MD.

Parks, W. and D. Milbert, 1995: A Geoid Height Model for San Diego County, California, to Test the 

Effect of Densifying Gravity Measurements on Accuracy of GPS Derived Orthometric Heights, 

Surveying and Land Information Systems, 55(1), pp. 21-38.

Remondi, B. W. (Center for Space Research, University of Texas), 1984: “Using the Global Positioning 

System (GPS) Phase Observable for Relative Geodesy: Modeling, Processing, and Results,” PhD. 

Dissertation, 360 pp., National Geodetic Survey Information Center, NOAA, Silver Spring, MD 

20910.

Roman, Daniel R, Y.M. Wang, W. Henning, and J. Hamilton, 2004: Assessment of the New National 

Geoid Height Model, GEOID03, Proceedings of the 2004 ACSM/TAPS Conference, Nashville, 

TN.

Satalich, J., 1996: Optimal Selection of Constraints in GPS-derived Orthometric Heights, Surveying and 

Land Information Systems, 56(2), pp. 103-118.

Smith, D.A. and D. Milbert, 1999: The GEOID96 high-resolution geoid height model for the United 

States. Journal of Geodesy, Vol. 73, No. 5, pp. 219-236.

Smith, D. A. and D. Roman, 2001: GEOID99 and G99SSS: 1-arc-minute Geoid Models for the United 

States. Journal of Geodesy, Vol. 75, No. 9-10, pp. 469-490.

Vincenty, T., 1987: On the Use of GPS Vectors in Densification Adjustment, Surveying and Mapping, 

Vol. 47, No. 2, 103-108. 

Zilkoski, D. B., 1990a, Establishing Vertical Control Using GPS Satellite Surveys: Proceedings of the 

19th International Federation of Surveying Congress (FIG), Commission 5, pp. 282-294.

Zilkoski, D. B., 1990b, Minimum Steps Required When Estimating GPS-Derived Orthometric Heights: 

Proceedings of the GIS/LIS ‘90 Fall Convention, Anaheim, California, November 7-10.
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 10

Zilkoski, D. B., 1993, NGS/Caltrans San Diego GPS-Derived Orthometric Heights Cooperative Project, 

NGS Project Report, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, December 1993. Found 

at: http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/initiatives/HeightMod/Articles/caltran266c2.pdf.

Zilkoski, D., J. D. D’Onofrio, and S. Frakes, 1997: Guidelines for Establishing GPS-Derived Ellipsoid 

Heights (Standards: 2 cm and 5 cm), Version 4.3, NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NGS-58, 

National Geodetic Survey Information Center, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Zilkoski, D. B. and J. D. D’Onofrio, 1996: “Geodetic Phase of NOS’ San Francisco Bay Demonstration 

Project,” Proceedings of GIS/LIS ’96 Annual Conference, Denver, CO, November 19-21, pp. 116-

127.

Zilkoski, D., J. Richards, and G. Young, 1992: Results of the General Adjustment of the North American 

Vertical Datum of 1988, Surveying and Land Information Systems, 52(3), pp. 133-149.

Zilkoski, D. and L. Hothem, 1989: GPS Satellite Surveys and Vertical Control, Journal of Surveying 

Engineering, Vol. 115, No. 2, May, pp. 262-282.
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 11

Appendix A: Definitions

Stations

NSRS Stations

(~75 km spacing) High accuracy NAD 83 three-dimensional stations (CORS, FBN, HARN stations) 

surrounding the project area in a minimum of three different quadrants. Stations assist in providing the 

network accuracy, and they may be newly established stations in the survey project, if specifications and 

procedures are used to establish them. These procedures are not covered in this document. 

Primary Base Stations

(~40 km spacing) Evenly distributed stations surrounding the local survey. These stations relate the local 

network to NSRS to the 5-cm, or better, standard through simultaneous observations with NSRS control 

stations. They may be newly established stations, and they may be part of the local network.

Secondary Base Stations

(~15 km) Stations are evenly distributed throughout the local network to ensure the local network does 

not contain a significant medium wavelength (20-30 km) ellipsoid height error through simultaneous 

observations with primary base stations. These stations may be newly established stations and are part 

of the local network. They are located between Primary Base Stations.

Local Network Stations

(<10 km) Stations that are not primary or secondary base stations, but are part of the local network. They 

provide the local accuracy standard through simultaneous observations between adjacent stations.
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 12

Appendix B: GPS Ellipsoid Height Hierarchy and Basic Guidelines

Basic Guidelines for Establishing Primary Base Stations:

• 5 hour sessions for three days

• Spacing between primary base stations should not exceed 40 km.

• Each primary base station should have observational vectors connecting it to at least its nearest 

primary base station neighbor and nearest NSRS control station.

Primary base stations should be traceable back to two NSRS control stations along completely 

independent paths; i.e, base lines Primary1-NSRS1 and Primary1-NSRS2, or Primary1-Primary2 

plus Primary2-NSRS3.

NATIONAL SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM (75 km)

LOCAL NETWORK STATION (7 to 10 km)

SECONDARY BASE (15 km)

PRIMARY BASE (40 km)

LEGEND

Primary Base Stations

40 km or less

NSRS1

NSRS2

NSRS3

Primary2

Primary1

Primary3

75 km or less

NSRS1

NSRS2

NSRS3

National Spatial Reference System Stations

NATIONAL SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM (75 km)

LOCAL NETWORK STATION (7 to 10 km)

SECONDARY BASE (15 km)

PRIMARY BASE (40 km)

LEGEND

Primary Base Stations

40 km or less

NSRS1

NSRS2

NSRS3

Primary2

Primary1

Primary3

75 km or less

NSRS1

NSRS2

NSRS3

National Spatial Reference System Stations
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 13

Secondary Base Stations

NATIONAL SPATIAL REFERENCE SYSTEM (75 km)

LOCAL NETWORK STATION (7 to 10 km)

SECONDARY BASE (15 km)

PRIMARY BASE (40 km)

LEGEND

15 km 

or less

NSRS1

NSRS2

NSRS3

Primary2

Primary1

Primary3

Secondary2 Secondary1

Secondary4

Secondary3

15 km 

or less

NSRS1

NSRS2

NSRS3

Primary2

Primary1

Primary3

Secondary2 Secondary1

Secondary4

Secondary3

15 km 

or less

NSRS1

NSRS2

NSRS3

Primary2

Primary1

Primary3

Secondary2 Secondary1

Secondary4

Secondary3

Basic Guidelines for Establishing Secondary Base Stations:

• 30 minute sessions / 2 days / significantly different satellite geometry. 

Note: 30 minute sessions should be the minimum. In some locations, due to abnormal 

atmospheric conditions, poor satellite geometry, and local multipath effects, it may be necessary 

to collect more than 30 minutes of data to meet the 2-cm repeat base line requirement.

• Spacing between secondary base stations (or between primary and secondary base stations) should 

not exceed 15 km.

• All base stations (primary and secondary) must be connected to at least the two nearest primary or 

secondary base station neighbors.

• Secondary base stations should be traceable back to two primary or NSRS base stations along 

independent paths; i.e., Secondary1-NSRS1 and Secondary1-Secondary3 plus Secondary3-

Primary1.
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 14

• Secondary base stations need not be established in “small” area surveys.

 

Basic Guidelines for Establishing Local Network Stations:

• 30 minute sessions / 2 days / significantly different satellite geometry

Note: 30 minute sessions should be the minimum. In some locations, due to abnormal 

atmospheric conditions, poor satellite geometry, and local multipath effects, it may be necessary 

to collect more than 30 minutes of data to meet the 2-cm repeat base line requirement.

• Spacing between local network stations (or between base stations and local network stations) should 

not exceed 10 km.
GPS-Derived Orthometric Height Guidelines—26 March 2008 15

• All local network stations should be connected to at least its two nearest neighbors. 

• Local network stations should be traceable back to two primary base stations along 

independent paths.