A Zonal Approach to
National Height Modernization
Gilbert J. Mitchell
National Geodetic Survey
Silver Spring, MD
• National Spatial Reference System (NSRS)
• NSRS is a consistent coordinate system that defines
latitude, longitude, height, scale, gravity, and
orientation for the entire U.S.
• NSRS components include national shoreline, CORS,
network of horizontal and vertical monuments and a set
of models that describe dynamic geophysical processes
that affect spatial measurements
Height Modernization:
• Height Modernization (HM) is the establishment of
accurate, reliable heights using GPS technology in
conjunction with traditional leveling, gravity, and
modern remote sensing information
NOAA/NGS Partnerships
• NGS’s mode of operation has migrated from
agency staff doing the work to partnerships with
state and local agencies, with NGS providing
technical assistance
• For some program areas, grant funds are made
available to support federal share of costs
Zonal Approach - the General Idea
• NOAA administers HM through lead states and
Spatial Reference Centers
• Lead states and SRC:
– Organize states in zone to address common
issues and problems
– Serve as link between NGS and individual states
– Seek opportunities to provide education and
outreach concerning HM program and its
benefits
DRAFT - DO NOT DISTRIBUTE
Height Modernization Zones
APPROACH
• Northeast Leverage existing partnerships
• Mid Atlantic Validate proposed HM zones
• Gulf of Mexico Evaluate needs and requirements
• Great Lakes Identify activities to be accomplished
• Upper Plains
Solicit proposals for accomplishing activities
• Lower Plains
Establish partnerships – multiple partner
• Southwest
• Northwest Promote “height technology transfer”
Active regions – expand program in new
regions
DRAFT - DO NOT DISTRIBUTE
Zonal Plan Components
• A National HM Steering Committee
• Zonal pilot projects
• HM forums in each zone
• Regular zonal coordination meetings
• Best practices workshops
• Use of private sector resources (to conduct, manage,
document, and evaluate HM projects, forums, and
workshops)
• Provide HM opportunities for all interested states
• Provide R&D grants to state agencies and universities to
support HM activities
Getting Started - Steps for Zonal Leaders
• At this meeting we want to discuss with you:
– Where we are with the Height Modernization
Program
– Where we want to be in 10 years
– What we need to do to reach our mutual goals
• In short, we want to hear your thoughts on how to
best organize and carry out the ambitious goals of
HM
Bringing New States into the
HM Program
• This is not an easy task, and we don’t have all of
the answers, so your suggestions on how to
accomplish the important goal of bringing new
states on board are also very important
Support that NOAA/NGS Will Provide
• Technical assistance (standards & specifications)
• Speakers for forums at the zone and state level
• Administration of grant funds provided by
Congress
• Adjustment of HM data and providing access to it
on NGS website
• Questions/Comments?
• Thank You!