Abstract

Upcoming Changes to the National Spatial Reference System
Track: Technology
Authors: David Minkel

Significant changes, planned by the National Geodetic Survey, to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) will positively affect surveying and mapping activities. The new NSRS will provide surveyors and engineers improved accuracy and efficiency through better utilization of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. Planned changes to the NSRS include the definition of a new vertical datum to replace NAVD 88 and the definition of a new horizontal (geometric) datum to replace NAD 83. This presentation will discuss these new datums, the need for their implementation, some of the outstanding issues yet to be resolved, and considerations for a smooth transition to the new datums. These changes are planned for implementation in less than a decade, i.e. the target date is 2018.