by EricColburn
June 10, 2013 in Business, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, News, NGS, NOAA, Surveying Software
National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
Between February 2011 and April 2012, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) executed one of the most comprehensive geodetic surveys in its history: the Geoid Slope Validation Survey of 2011 (GSVS11).
by EricColburn
January 18, 2013 in Associate Membership, Business, Geomatics, Land Surveying, Laser Scanning, Members, News, NGS, NOAA, Remote Sensing, Surveying Software
National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
In December, a permanent airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) test and evaluation site was installed at the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Instrumentation & Methodologies Branch facility located in Corbin, Virginia.
by EricColburn
November 30, 2012 in Associate Membership, Business, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, Members, News, NGS, NOAA, Surveying Software
National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
Breaking news from the NOAA National Geodetic Survey (NGS) about GPS projects “Bluebooking” process:
by EricColburn
October 25, 2012 in Associate Membership, Business, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, Members, News, NGS, NOAA, Surveying Software
National Geodetic Survey Data Explorer
This week, NOAA released a new web application to allow users to view National Geodetic Survey (NGS) geodetic control across the United States and its territories using Google Maps.
by EricColburn
October 24, 2012 in Associate Membership, Business, Geomatics, Members, News, NGS, NOAA, Surveying Software
NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
Historical Topographic Sheets (“T-Sheets”) produced by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey are referenced to various horizontal datums in use over the two hundred years since the first Survey of the Coast in 1816.
To use these maps to document coastal change, a conversion has to be made from the horizontal datum used at the time the map was published to the datum in which modern data are expressed.
by EricColburn
August 18, 2012 in Associate Membership, Business, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, Members, News, NGS, NOAA, OPUS, Surveying Software
GEOID12 Error Map
The National Geodetic Survey has determined that the GEOID12 model was developed using erroneous input control points, primarily in the Gulf Coast region. NGS immediately corrected these errors and developed a replacement model: GEOID12A. GEOID12A is now available for public analysis and comment on the NGS Beta website for GEOID12A and will soon be released for production.
Localized errors were found in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Canada. Errors in Enid, Oklahoma, and Canada were identified shortly after the August 8, 2012 error notice was posted. After receiving critical input from surveyors, the control data used to develop GEOID12 were immediately re-evaluated, and problematic control stations were identified. Once the problem control stations were corrected, a new model, GEOID12A, was developed. The differences between GEOID12A and GEOID12 are displayed in the map, below. (Click on the map to open a full-size PDF version.) The map shows all areas where GEOID12A differs from GEOID12; in all other areas, the two models are identical (except for the localized errors in Canada).
by EricColburn
July 20, 2012 in Associate Membership, Business, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, Members, News, NGS, NOAA, OPUS, Surveying Software
NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
In the first week of July, NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) released the results of three major improvements to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). The NSRS is the consistent coordinate system that defines latitude, longitude, height, scale, gravity, and orientation throughout the United States and its territories. NGS maintains and provides access to the NSRS, which is the foundation for the nation’s transportation, mapping, and charting infrastructure and serves a multitude of scientific and engineering applications.
The three improvements to the NSRS are:
by EricColburn
July 16, 2012 in Associate Membership, Business, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, Members, News, NGS, NOAA, OPUS, Surveying Software
GEOID12 CONUS
In the last week, the National Geodetic Survey has released a new height transformation model for surveyors, engineers, and the scientific community involved in water flow and the determination of heights with respect to mean sea level.
The new “GEOID12” model, implemented in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-manufacturer software, provides transformations of centimeter-level accuracy from GNSS-derived heights to North American Vertical Datum of 1988 () orthometric elevations.
by EricColburn
May 9, 2012 in Associate Membership, Business, ESRI, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, Land Surveying Equipment, Members, News, Surveying Software, Trimble
The Esri GPS base station, GISA, is mounted to a building in Redlands, California.
Redlands, California—Esri recently installed a GPS base station to assist its GIS developers and to support surveyors, engineers, scientists, and those in public works and public safety in the community surrounding the Esri campus in Redlands, California. The base station, named GISA, has been accepted by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) and incorporated into the national Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network.
“GPS, originally designed as a US Department of Defense system, has become part of everyday life, with the technology in all types of devices from smartphones to shipping containers,” said Brent Jones, Esri surveying and engineering industry manager. “The Esri GPS base station is a great benefit to the community, as professionals can use it in surveying and positioning to achieve accurate locations in real time.”
by EricColburn
February 5, 2012 in Associate Membership, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Business, Business Videos, Continuing Education, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, Land Surveying Videos, Links, MicroSurvey, News, Surveying Software, Technology Videos, Videos
Control Bound
by EricColburn
January 29, 2012 in Associate Membership, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D Surveying Quick Tips and Tricks, Business, Carlson, Geomatics, Land Surveying, Land Surveying Videos, Links, News, NGS, Professional Land Surveyor Practice, Surveying Software, Technology Videos, Videos
Stone Post Bound
by EricColburn
January 25, 2012 in Associate Membership, Business, Geomatics, GIS, GPS, Land Surveying, News, NGS, NOAA, Surveying Software
NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is in the process of developing new Geographic Information System (GIS) software tools for display and analysis of NGS survey data.
by EricColburn
October 9, 2011 in Associate Membership, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Business, Business Videos, C-Nav, Continuing Education, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, Land Surveying Equipment, Leica, Links, News, Surveying Software, Technology Videos, Videos
Virginia Rail Fence Stones
by EricColburn
October 6, 2011 in Associate Membership, Business, Geomatics, GNSS, GPS, Land Surveying, Links, News, OPUS, Surveying Software
CORS Data. Source: NGS.
NAD83(2011,MA11,PA11) epoch 2010.00 Coordinates
On September 6, 2011, NGS updated the National Spatial Reference System NAD 83 (CORS96, MARP00, PACP00) positions and velocities for all CORS sites, to NAD 83 (2011, MA11, PA11). The NAD 83 (2011) frame, which is relative to the fixed North American plate, is used to define the coordinates for sites located in the CONterminous United States (CONUS), Alaska and US territories in the Caribbean.
by EricColburn
May 10, 2011 in Associate Membership, Business, Continuing Education, GPS, Land Surveying, Links, News, OPUS, Surveying Software
NGS is currently beta-testing a Network Processing Option for OPUS known as OPUS-Projects. This feature will allow the processing, adjustment and publishing of multiple stations over multiple days. Because of the increased complexity of this capability, the creation and management of Projects for OPUS is limited to those who have completed an OPUS-Projects Workshop.
Introduction
Step 1: Creating a Project
Step 2: Uploading Data To Your Project
Step 3: Session Processing
Step 4: Network Adjustment and Publishing
Open Discussion
One-on-one
by EricColburn
February 22, 2011 in Associate Membership, Business, GPS, Land Surveying, News, OPUS, Surveying Software
Yesterday, I was using the National Geodetic Survey’s (NGS) Online Positioning User Service (OPUS), where there was a bright green notice at the top of the OPUS page that said, “OPUS will feature a new look-and-feel on or about 03/01/2011″.
In researching this impending change to the look of OPUS, I found the following notice on the NGS Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) newsletter, which says the change is planned for this Thursday, February 24th.
Regardless of which date is correct for this change (or another altogether), I figured I’d give you a heads up.
On Thursday OPUS webpages will have a new look, consistent with CORS and NGS web standards.
What’s new? Read the rest of this entry →
by EricColburn
November 27, 2010 in Associate Membership, Business, GPS, Land Surveying, News, Professional Land Surveyor Practice
National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
GPS is Taking over the World!
The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) has announced a new policy that traditional horizontal survey projects performed with terrestrial survey techniques will no longer be accepted for processing or loading into NGS databases.
The Specifics Are: Read the rest of this entry →
by EricColburn
September 3, 2010 in Associate Membership, GPS, Land Surveying, Land Surveying Videos, Links, News, Videos
The same instant Gov. Jay Nixon pushed the button on a global positioning system data collector, surveyors across the state started their Global Positioning System receivers to collect critical elevation data. Gov. Nixon is flanked by Darrell Pratte, state land surveyor and Land Survey Program Director, Missouri Department of Natural Resources (left); and Mark N. Templeton, Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Here’s a video and some links about the Height Modernization Survey of Missouri.
From portions of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Press Release (see link below):
“ROLLA, MO, AUG. 27, 2010 – Professional land surveyors representing private firms from across the state contributed approximately $150,000 of professional services to the citizens of Missouri when they joined state and federal colleagues to begin the state’s Height Modernization Survey.”
and,
“Staff with the department’s Geology and Land Survey Division’s Land Survey program will evaluate, verify and process the data and enter it into the national database.
Mark N. Templeton, MoDNR Director expressed appreciation for all involved saying, “Without the generous donation of time, staff and equipment provided by private land surveyors, surveying equipment companies, and the work of the various government agencies this project would not have been possible in the foreseeable future.”
Prior to introducing Gov. Nixon as the probably the only Governor in the nation to kick off a Height Modernization Survey, Juliana Blackwell, National Geodetic Survey Director, Silver Spring, Md., expressed appreciation for the department, MSPS and the federal and state partners, saying, “From a federal perspective, it is impossible for the National Geodetic Survey, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to do this type of work at the local, state level ourselves. So, having the partnerships from federal, state and local, to get engaged and to make this really work is something I am very proud of. I am proud of everyone here who has been able to contribute some aspect to this survey and look forward to seeing the results, Having it used for floodplain mapping, all mapping and surveying throughout the state as well as being able to monitor and assess levees and dams which is very critical in the state.”
Ralph Riggs, MSPS President who represents approximately 1,000 members thanked the many partners who donated their time and equipment to this project. Riggs is also Howell County Surveyor.”
Video of Height Modernization Survey of Missouri Ceremony at the MO State Fair Read the rest of this entry →
by EricColburn
June 29, 2010 in Associate Membership, Business, GNSS, Land Surveying, Links, News
Professional Land Surveyor News
This is a press release published by NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) with important information for professional land surveyors who are using Real-Time GNSS positioning.
NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) recently announced the approval and release of a document titled “National Geodetic Survey User Guidelines for Single Base Real-Time GNSS Positioning.” The guidelines provide definitive criteria to achieve various specific tiers of precision, with high confidence, using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Due to the plethora of variables associated with Real-Time GNSS positioning (RT), a consistent Read the rest of this entry →
by EricColburn
December 28, 2009 in Associate Membership, Land Surveying, Land Surveying Equipment, Leica, Pictures
This Professional Land Surveyor Survey Party is brought to you by EricColburn.com – Professional Land Surveyor Source – showing a few pictures I snapped while carrying out land surveying field work somewhat recently.
Most of these pictures were taken within the last few weeks, which you might be able to tell by the snow and/or stark cold looking locales, but a couple are from a few months ago when the climate was a little warmer (and greener). Right after the most recent pictures were taken we got hit with that blizzard most of you along the eastern seaboard got hit with too, getting 18-20 inches of snow. The good news is that today, most of that snow is gone!
GPS Base Station
Did I Mention It's In A Cemetery
NGS Control Disk Chepachet 1968
GPS Rover Station
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