New Vertical DatumImplementation Plan

FGDCSilver Spring, MD.

July 30, 2013

Mark C. EcklMark C. EcklChief of the Observation and Analysis Division,Chief of the Observation and Analysis Division,

National Geodetic SurveyNational Geodetic Survey

Implementation Plan – 2.2 ReplaceNAVD 88

Objective: By 2022, reduce all definitional and access related errors in orthometric heights in the geopotential reference frame to 2 centimeters when using 15 minutes of GNSS data.

How completion/success is defined

1. All datasheets express heights and velocities in the new vertical datum

2. A Federal Register Notice has been posted noting that the results of this project represent the

official U.S. vertical datum

3. . NGS authors publish a few papers - including the official datum definition - in trade

magazines, journals, etc.

4. Adoption by FGDC/FGCS

Strategies and actions for moving towards achieving this objective

Strategy 1: GeodesyStrategy 2: Geodetic SurveyingStrategy 3: Product Dissemination Strategy 4: Policy Recommendations

Strategy 1: Geodesy

Action Est. Completion date Responsible Person

Compute final geoid 1.5 yr. prior to release Dan Roman

Compute a geometric fiducial ref. frame (CORS)

1.5 yr. prior to release Joe Evjens

Complete a national geometric control adjustment

6 mo. prior to release Michael Dennis

Evaluate national level line adjustment Oct. 31, 2014 Jarir Saleh

National readjustment of level lines 6 mo. prior to release Jarir Saleh

Enable translations between surfaces at release  

Strategy 2: Geodetic Surveying

Action Est. Completion date Responsible Person

Develop best practices for ellipsoid ht. 3 yr. prior to release Michael Dennis

Establish absolute / relative standards 2 yr. prior to release VRSWG

Establish specifications for standards 1 yr. prior to release VRSWG

Develop best practices for leveling 2 yr. prior to release Mark Eckl

Strategy 3: Product Dissemination

Action Est. Completion date Responsible Person

Determine data reporting products 2 yr. prior to release OAD Records Management Branch (RMB) Chief

Develop QA/QC procedures 1.5 yr. prior to release

OAD Project Analysis Branch (PAB) Chief

Develop data transmittal format/methodology

1.5 yr. prior to release

RMB/PAB Chiefs

Strategy 4: Policy Recommendations

Action Est. Completion date Responsible Person

Set target release date for new datum Oct. 31, 2013 Mark Eckl

Define objective Oct. 31, 2013 Mark Eckl

Vertical ref. surface updates 6 mo. prior to release ESC

Vertical ref. surface replacement 6 mo. prior to release ESC

Approval of new datum from FGCS 2 yr. prior to release Mark Eckl

Control ellipsoid ht. replacement 6 mo. prior to release ESC

Adopt vertical reference surface 1 yr. prior to release ESC

Adopt ellipsoid reference surface 1 yr. prior to release ESC

Released Data

Processing

Partially Complete

Planned

GRAV-D Block Status and Released Data

as of July 30th, 2013www.ngs.noaa.gov/GRAV-D