Since 1970, the National Geodetic Survey of U.S.A controls a national system of coordinates which provides support to transport and communication network, preparing maps and charts and numerous engineering and scientific applications. It also makes navigation safer.
History of National Geodetic Survey :
President Thomas Jefferson laid the foundation of the Survey of the Coast in 1807. It also conducted inland surveys towards the west. After its reorganization in 1878, it was known by a new name called the Coast and Geodetic Survey and continued to work till 1970. Another reorganization in 1970 led to the formation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Ocean Service (NOS). NOS was created in association with the NOAA. Later the parts of NOAA involved in carrying out Geodetic activities was called National Geodetic Survey . This marked the beginning of the National Geodetic Survey (NGS).
Work of the National Geodetic Survey :
The National Geodetic Survey explains, maintains and controls the National Spatial Reference System which ascertains or finds out location, altitude, distance, gravity and shoreline throughout the United States.
National Geodetic Survey Products :
Data
• Aeronautical Photos and Data
• CARIB97
• CORS: GPS Continuously Operating Reference Stations
• Data Sheets
• DCAR97
• DMEX97
• Geoid
• Geoid, Gravity, Deflections and Data Coverage Grids for Geoid96
• GPS Orbital Data
• IERS Terrestrial Reference Frame control points
• Metadata
• MEXICO97
• NOAA Shoreline Data Explorer
• NOS Data Explorer
• GPS Derived Ionosphere maps
• Tidal and Orthometric Elevations
Software:
• Geodetic PC Software Programs
Publications:
• Guide to Products and Services
• Geodetic and Charting Publications Booklet
• National Geodetic Survey ‘ Blue Book’
• National Geodetic Survey Policy Statements
• Publications Available On Line
• Submitting Data for Inclusion into NSRS.
National Geodetic Survey Services :
Data Processing
• Geodetic Tool Kit
Field Services
• GPS Antenna Calibration
• Calibration Base Lines for EDMI
• Federal Base Network (FBN) Surveys
• NGS Field Operations Plan
• NGS Workshop Program
• State Geodetic Advisor Program
Special Projects:
• Charleston Bridge GPS Height Modernization
• Contracted Projects
• Hurricane Mitch Relief
• State Centre of Population Program
• SwaPS Underwater Monitoring Devices
• Wetlands Restoration Projects
• Washington Monument
Data Contribution:
• Online Mark Recovery Form
• Project Proposal Form
National Geodetic Survey also offers contracting services to firms since 1970 and specializes in the following areas. These areas are again subdivided into a number of services.
• Aerial Photography Over U.S. Airports by National Geodetic Survey
• Collecting Metric Quality Aerial Photography
• Collecting Remotely Sensed Imagery from Aircraft
• Completing a Paper Log Describing Exposures
• Producing an Electronic File Describing Exposures
• Controlling Quality
• Writing a Project Report
• Aerial Photography Over U.S. Shoreline or Shoreline Mapping with the help of Photogrammetry or remote sensing by National Geodetic Survey
• Planning
• Collecting Remotely Sensed Imagery from Aircraft or Sattelite
• Conducting Ground Control Surveys
• Installing Water Land Gages
• Making Water Level Observations
• Processing and Analyzing Data
• Performing Map Compilation
• Controlling Quality
• Writing Reports
• Geodetic Surveying by National Geodetic Survey by GPS and Geodetic Leveling Surveys.
• Planning
• Reconnaissance and Mark Recovery
• Mark Setting
• Performing Geodetic Levelling Observations
• Data Processing and Analysis
• Data Submittal
• Preparing Report
• Height Modernization Surveys by National Geodetic Survey by GPS
• Planning
• Reconnaissance and Mark Recovery
• Mark Setting
• GPS Observations and Station Descriptions
• GPS Data processing, Data Analysis, and Adjustment
• Data Submittal
• Preparing Reports, Manuals and Training Aids
• Providing Training
Thus, National Geodetic Survey has become the premier institution in providing Geodetic functions.
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