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1. Home
2. About
3. NOS Fiscal Year 2022: Year in Review
4. National Geodetic Survey

**National Geodetic Survey** NOS Fiscal Year 2022: Year in Review *NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) provides the framework for all positioning activities in the nation. The foundational elements of latitude, longitude, elevation, and shoreline information impact a wide range of important activities.*  Canada, U.S. Update International Great Lakes Datum **SUPPORTS NOS PRIORITY:** COASTAL RESILIENCE | NEW BLUE ECONOMY U.S. and  Canadian surveyors were in the Great Lakes region for a six-week project  collecting Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) data at over 350  locations as part of an update to the International Great Lakes Datum (IGLD).  The IGLD is the common reference system used to measure water level heights  throughout the Great Lakes‐St. Lawrence River System, providing support for  marine navigation, water level regulation, water management, surveying,  mapping, and shoreline-use planning. Updates to the IGLD occur every 25 to 30  years to account for the movement of the Earth’s crust. This is the first  update to use GNSS data. Updating the IGLD will benefit its many applications,  including lake level forecasting and hydroelectric power regulation, as well as  water level measurements.  A map showing survey locations in the Great Lakes.*Map of benchmarks resurveyed on the American side of the Great Lakes for the 2022 update of the International Great Lakes Datum.*  NOAA, Census Bureau Mark 2020 Center of Population **SUPPORTS NOS  PRIORITIES:**  CONSERVE, RESTORE, AND CONNECT NGS and the  Census Bureau dedicated a commemorative survey mark designating  Hartville, Missouri, as the 2020 center of population. The center of  population is where an imaginary, flat, weightless, and rigid map of the United  States would balance perfectly if all residents were of equal weight. This  place represents the average location of where people in the United States  live. “The 2020 center of population commemorative mark is a tribute to  Hartville, the surveying community, and the science of geodesy,” said NGS  Director Juliana Blackwell. “The commemorative mark represents the latest stop  on the center of population trail, and its exact location and coordinates will  be added into the National Spatial Reference System for use by surveyors,  geocachers, and geospatial enthusiasts for decades to come.  A survey mark.*The 2020 center of population commemorative survey mark was embedded in a 2,000-pound rose granite monument in Hartville, Missouri.*  VDatum Continental West Coast Regional Model Update **SUPPORTS NOS  PRIORITY:** COASTAL RESILIENCE | NEW BLUE ECONOMY Vdatum image 2022.jpg*Flowchart and map of the coastline shows the areas affected by the VDatum update.*
 In FY 2022, NGS updated parts of the VDatum  software tool, which converts elevation data from various sources into a common  reference system. The Continental United States West Coast Regional Model was  updated this year, covering what were previously three separate regional  models. Additional separation of the model into 13 new divisions allows for  enhanced resolution in detailed areas and the capture of smaller inland water  bodies, such as in the Puget Sound, along the Oregon and California coasts, and  the San Francisco Bay. The area further offshore was separated to provide  additional coverage, but also allow for reduced resolution of the grid. This is the first regional model to be  upgraded in a series of four larger scale models for VDatum to help the program  become more agile with frequency of updates, ingesting new data, and fixing any  issues. Utilizing a roadmap that traverses through the international reference  frame and experimental geoid model assists in preparation for transitioning to  the modernized National Spatial Reference System in the near future.  Geospatial Industry Adopts GVX File Format **SUPPORTS NOS  PRIORITY:** NEW BLUE ECONOMY NGS introduced a new standard file  format, known as GVX, for exchanging GNSS vector data that is derived from  different GNSS surveying methods and equipment. Hardware manufacturers for the  geospatial industry are adopting the GVX standard. Several companies already  offer tools to export in this file format, with more in development. The GVX  format is becoming the standard way to efficiently share data from GNSS  equipment manufacturers. GVX supports all types of GNSS vectors, including those  from a real-time kinematic survey or from baseline post-processing. GVX files  can be uploaded to NGS's free online software, OPUS Projects 5.0. From OPUS  Projects, the data can be submitted to NGS, boosting productivity and improving  the nation's geodetic infrastructure.  A person using survey equipment near the water.*Measurement of a bench mark using real-time kinematic surveying equipment in Norfolk, Virginia.*  NGS Co-locates with CO-OPS in Chesapeake **SUPPORTS NOS  PRIORITY:** COASTAL RESILIENCE  In FY 22, NGS’s Field Operations Branch moved to a new location in Chesapeake, Virginia, sharing space with NOAA's Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) Field Operations Division. The move was beneficial in many ways: The former location was an aging facility at high risk of impact from coastal storms, recurrent tidal flooding, hurricanes, and high-volume rain events. The new location provides a modern office, ample training room, and a more efficient warehouse that immediately improved the productivity of field operations and the security and safety of personnel and equipment. In addition, NGS and CO-OPS staff working in the same location led to enhanced relationships, as well as improved coordination and communication. This closer relationship has included knowledge-sharing on GNSS surveying, leveling, and water level stations — most notably for the planning and scheduling adjustments needed to make the International Great Lakes Datum survey campaign a success. Both field teams are already moving forward with new ideas and plans on how to work together more often. The move also reduces carbon footprint, removes storm threats to the facility, and allows both operational groups to work together.  The front of a NOAA facility.*CO-OPS and NGS worksite in Chesapeake, Virginia.*
 NGS **Highlights** Canada, U.S. Update International Great Lakes Datum NOAA, Census Bureau Mark 2020 Center of Population VDatum Continental West Coast Regional Model Update Geospatial Industry Adopts GVX File Format NGS Co-locates with CO-OPS in Chesapeake
  NOS **Accomplishments** NOS by the Numbers 2022  Browse by Office: Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services Coral Reef Conservation Program U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science National Geodetic Survey NOS Management and Budget NOS Information Management Office for Coastal Management Office of Coast Survey Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Office of Response and Restoration   **Search** Our facts    Get **Social**
  **Last updated:** 01/20/23 **Author:** NOAA How to cite this article Contact Us


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