POLICY STATEMENT FOR STATE-CONDUCTED FBN SURVEYS

APPROVED BY THE

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is committed to working with entities that, in order to improve their individual base of geodetic knowledge and control, as well as the collective geodetic control of the nation, want to gather and contribute high-quality data for inclusion in the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). These data have, to date, been gathered in conjunction with the Federal Base Network (FBN) survey campaign in a cooperative effort in which state and local surveyors have worked alongside the NGS field party. NGS is still committed to obtaining these crucial data that will add greatly to the accuracy of the FBN and that will be beneficial to height modernization efforts. However, in an effort to most effectively use its limited resources and to facilitate a transfer of technology to states, communities, and the private sector, NGS personnel will now shift from providing field parties to focusing its energies and resources on providing on-site training and program assistance.

If states or entities located within the state, such as universities or surveying associations, wish to partner with NGS in order to complete a state's survey, each entity should adhere to the following steps. Each entity should work with NGS to plan ahead for a survey, understanding that lead time is necessary before NGS can initiate state program assistance at the appropriate level of support. Also, the entity should carry out the surveys and data preparation using NGS guidelines and specifications. (Specific requirements to meet NGS standards are listed in the Standing Instructions, which can be found at:)

http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/PROJECTS/INSTRUCTIONS/FBN/

Finally, in order to be included in the nation-wide readjustment of the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83(NSRS)), data collected from the field survey must be submitted to NGS by December 31, 2003. For entities that partner with NGS, and follow these guidelines, NGS will make the following commitments:

Commitments by NGS will include:

Explanation of Program Benefits and Expectations:

• A NGS representative will be sent to the proposed surveying entity in each state, if so desired, to explain the importance of the FBN survey and its value to the state.
• Recognizing that most state and local employees face obstacles in working outside of their states or communities, NGS will commit to creating networks between and ties to neighboring states and communities.

Assistance in Obtaining Data Will Include:

• Training workshops will be provided.
• Project planning assistance will be provided.
• An on-site state coordinator will be provided to those states that wish this assistance.

Assistance Once Data Are Gathered:

• GPS vector processing and network adjustment will be performed.
• The results will be archived and published.
• A project report will be prepared for remaining FBN surveys coordinated with NGS and performed using NGS guidelines and specifications.