Category: Survey

Are you ready for NSRS modernization? What the upcoming changes mean for your geospatial data

In my August 2025 GPS World newsletter column, I highlighted that a colleague reminded me that the National Geodetic Survey’s (NGS) new National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) is more than a technical upgrade. It offers a prime opportunity to review and improve current processes and workflows, examine existing products and considerations, and plan strategically for future needs. By auditing geospatial data dependencies now, NSRS users can assess how transitioning to the new datum will affect workflows, datasets and operational decision-making.

Several organizations have formed working groups to address the new NSRS. The National Society of Surveyors (NSPS) has released a story map to inform the professional surveying community and is developing guidance and case studies. The American Association for Geodetic Surveyor (AAGS) is collaborating with NSPS. The American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) has prepared materials available on its website. Additionally, under the leadership of Gary Thompson, the North Carolina Geodetic Survey established the North Carolina 2022 Reference Frame Working Group. The group’s goal is to address issues related to the implementation of the datum change in 2026. It includes representatives from North Carolina agencies involved in producing or using geospatial products and services.

Agencies Involved in the NC 2022 Reference Frame Working Group
NC Geodetic Survey	NC DOT Hydraulics	NC State Mapping Advisory Committee
NC Geographic Information Coordinating Council (GICC)	NC State, Land Records Management	NC Geodetic Survey Advisory Committee
NC Center for Geographic Information & Analysis	NC GICC Local Government Committee	NC Society of Surveyors
NC DOT State Location & Surveys	NC State Mapping Advisory Committee	Duke Energy
NC DOT Photogrammetry Unit	NC GICC Local Government Committee	U.S. National Geodetic Survey

The organizations participating in the NC RFWG are assessing how changes in the new NSRS may impact their geospatial workflows and evaluating their reliance on NGS products and services. Proactive self-assessment is essential because NGS cannot customize support for each entity’s unique needs and processes. By identifying potential challenges and opportunities early, organizations can adapt smoothly and maintain operational efficiency during the transition. The following were the key action items from the last NC RFWG meeting:

Create an information sheet to help local governments prepare for the data change
encourage agencies to consult their software vendors on support measures for the new datums
establish a rule for when to use the U.S. Survey Foot versus the International Foot
review current data files to ensure their metadata includes datum and unit information.

Many participants of the North Carolina working group expressed interest in understanding how much the coordinates will shift with the new NSRS. While NGS’s website offers diagrams that provide a high-level overview of coordinate and product changes, many users sought more detailed information specific to North Carolina. To address this, I used NGS’s Multi-Year CORS Solution 3 (MYCS3) update of the NOAA CORS Network to ITRF2020, epoch 2020.0, to estimate the changes between the current NSRS — NAD 83 2011 (epoch 2010.0) — and the upcoming NSRS in North Carolina, such as NATRF2022 at epoch 2020.0. This approach offers a more detailed view of the magnitude of shifts in local regions. The figure titled “Approximate Differences Between NATRF2022 (Epoch 2020.0) and NAD 83 2011 (Epoch 2010.0) in NC” illustrates the approximate horizontal coordinate differences between the current NSRS and the future NSRS based on NCN CORS data. (Note that these units are in feet.) For additional information on MYCS3 and regional changes across the United States, refer to my August 2025 GPS World column.

Approximate differences between NATRF2022 (Epoch 2020.0) and NAD 83 2011 (Epoch 2010.0) in North Carolina. Horizontal change in feet. (Credit: Dave Zilkoski)

Differences in orthometric heights between the new NAPGD2022 and the current NAVD 88 are significant for anyone working with FEMA flood maps or preparing flood insurance elevation certificates. I used ITRF2020, epoch 2020.0, ellipsoid heights from NOAA CORS stations along with Geoid2022 values to estimate the NAPGD2022 orthometric heights at the CORS sites. As depicted in the plot, the height differences between NAPGD2022 and NAVD 88 across North Carolina range from about 0.5 feet in the southeastern region to over a foot in the northern and western regions. (Note that the units are in feet.)

Approximate differences between NAPGD2022 and NAVD 88 in North Carolina. Orthometric height change in feet. (Credit: Dave Zilkoski)

This type of information should be shared with managers of real-time GNSS networks(RTN). RTN operators could then establish a parallel beta system to enable users to understand how the new NSRS may affect their products and services. (Note: The North Carolina Geodetic Survey, which manages the NC CORS/RTN system, is considering running a pilot parallel RTN based on the new NSRS.) This data can be valuable for RTN users to assess how coordinate changes might influence their workflows. For example, it can help determine how the shifts in coordinates will affect agricultural activities such as planting, fertilizing and harvesting. Will farmers need to remap their fields, or will a transformation be sufficient?

Fostering collaboration with stakeholders and constituents will help users better understand how the NSRS modernization impacts their products and services. Developing strategies to align geospatial data management with regulatory requirements and operational objectives will also facilitate a smoother implementation process. NGS is partnering with federal agencies and professional societies to create a self-assessment guide that helps organizations evaluate how the NSRS update affects their geospatial missions. As previously mentioned, the North Carolina 2022 Reference Frame Working Group is working with state and local agencies, as well as surveyors, to proactively address key questions and challenges. This collaboration aims to improve communication with NGS and determine whether their products and services need to be reprocessed, re-surveyed or transformed to suit the new standards.

Each organization has its own unique geospatial requirements and a thorough understanding of its mission and needs. This is an ideal opportunity to develop a centralized plan for evaluating and managing geospatial workflows during the transition to the modernized NSRS. Challenges include aligning legacy datasets with new reference standards while ensuring data integrity. Organizations should assess the accuracy of their data in relation to the NSRS and document any necessary updates in metadata. By creating a well-structured plan that balances operational constraints, legal compliance and practical considerations, organizations can prioritize accuracy, efficiency and alignment with the updated NSRS.

To assist others in preparing for the new NSRS, Dana J. Caccamise II, NGS regional geodetic advisor, has developed guidance materials that have been shared with federal agencies — including the FGDC and their team leaders — and professional organizations such as NSPS, ASPRS and AAGS. See the boxes titled “Questions to Guide a Self-Assessment of Your Operation and Products” and “List of NGS Products and Services — Are your workflows dependent on one or more NGS products.” The goal is to help these agencies become ready to implement the new NSRS once it is officially adopted by NGS.

Questions to Guide a Self-Assessment of Your Operation and Products

Are you generating or using geospatial data (or doing both)?
– If so, your workflows are likely dependent on geodetic control tied to one or more NGS products. The upcoming NSRS update will affect these dependencies. (See “List of NGS Products and Services.”)

Do you know if your mission, project, or datasets depend on NGS products?
– Identifying whether and how your entity relies on NGS products is a critical first step in assessing potential impacts.

What are your accuracy, precision, and shelf-life requirements for geospatial data?
– Understanding your mission’s specific data requirements ensures you can evaluate whether NSRS modernization will meet your operational needs without unnecessary adjustments. This should include plans to accommodate greater accuracy in the future.

Do you know how your entity accesses and utilizes geospatial data?
– Are you obtaining it directly from NGS or indirectly through third-party vendors (e.g., RTN systems, GIS platforms, GNSS companies)?
– Have you considered how updates to NGS products may impact the tools or services you rely on from these vendors?
– Many entities rely on geodetic control without realizing it. NGS’s foundational data and frameworks are often invisible and seamlessly embedded within the tools and services offered by third-party vendors, such as GIS platforms, survey equipment, and software providers. These vendors, in turn, depend heavily on NGS products like the NSRS to ensure their tools are accurate and functional. Understanding this indirect reliance is crucial for preparing your workflows and ensuring continuity as the NSRS is modernized.

Where does your entity fit in with the geodetic workflow?
– Does your entity create integral products (e.g., GNSS data, lidar data) on which other products depend?
– Does it produce derivative products (e.g., DTM, Topographic Map, Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Report)?
– Evaluating these dependencies will help you determine the scope of NSRS modernization impacts.

What are your project requirements for data accuracy and longevity?
– Assess whether your data accuracy thresholds and long-term usability align with the modernized NSRS.

Have you evaluated workflows and identified potential impacts in areas affected by significant ground movement (e.g., regions with tectonic shifts, vertical land motion, and, most notably, subsidence)
– Identifying potential risk or disruption areas can guide prioritization and help mitigate impacts on critical operations.

List of NGS Products and Services

Are your workflows dependent on one or more NGS products

Products and Services	Examples
Geodetic Control Data	– Datasheets – State Plane CoordinatesSurvey – MarksSurvey Data
National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) Datasets	– Horizontal (Geometric) reference frames – Vertical (Orthometric / Physical) datums – Geoid Models
NSRS Tools and Resources	NGS Geodetic Tool Kit – NGS PC Software such as ADJUST – User-Contributed Software – VDatum to convert elevation data – Other NSRS Resources such as transformation tools
GNSS Data and Solutions	OPUS (Online Positioning User Service) – CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations) – Satellite Orbits
Gravity Data	– Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum (GRAV-D) – Deflection of the Vertical (DoV)
Coastal Mapping Products	– Topobathy lidar Data – Shoreline Mapping Products
Aerial Imagery and Remote Sensing	– NOAA Remote Sensing Division Products such as Emergency response imagery (e.g., hurricane damage)
Analytical tools	– Least squares analysis tool – Antenna Calibrations
GIS and Visualization Tools	– Geospatial Data such as Shapefiles and KML files for GIS applications – Web Services
Educational and Reference Materials	– Documentation such as NGS technical reports – Presentations and Posters – User support such as NGS Information Center and Regional Geodetic advisors
Historical Data Archives	– Legacy Products such as Older geodetic survey records and Superseded geoid models and transformation tools
Standards and Procedures, best practices, data formats	– Standards and Procedures such as NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NGS 92 – Data Formats such as GVX (Real-time or post-processed GNSS vectors)

To support the increased awareness of the modernization of the NSRS, under the auspices of the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee, NGS will host a meeting with federal geospatial agencies on Oct. 15, 2025, to discuss the NSRS modernization. The primary objectives of this meeting are to:

Increase awareness of the NSRS modernization rollout schedule and engagement strategy, including self-assessment and interaction between official departmental working groups.
Within other departments, connect decision-makers to those who accomplish NSRS modernization tasks and designate points of contact to interface with NGS capacity building efforts.
Share experiences and strategies among federal agencies concerning NSRS modernization self-assessment and preparation.
Gather questions, discuss anticipated challenges and identify opportunities to support each other through this transition.

It is my understanding that this meeting is open to the public (virtually) for listening and observation. See below for more information on the meeting.

Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee Meeting

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
- To attend virtually, here is the registration link

I recommend that NSRS users consult guidance from NGS and engage with professional societies that have established working groups to analyze the impact of the new NSRS on geospatial products and services. Getting involved now will help ensure you are prepared when NGS officially adopts the updated NSRS. As Dru Smith, NGS NSRS modernization manager, explained in his webinar titled “NSRS Modernization — Big Steps Forward and What Comes Next” on Aug. 14, 2025, once the initial set of products and services of the modernized NSRS is “official,” the new NSRS becomes “The NSRS,” and its implementation then begins.

Are you prepared to implement the new NSRS once NGS officially adopts it? Do you have the necessary tools and resources in place to support a smooth transition? This newsletter highlighted several actions that users can take now to ensure they are ready to implement the new NSRS when it becomes official.

October 1, 2025

Korea testing gridded VRS for better GNSS accuracy

South Korea has launched a test operation of a new GPS-based positioning service, reports the Korea Herald. The Gridded Virtual Reference Station (G-VRS) works without an internet connection to provide real-time location data with centimeter-level accuracy.

The G-VRS will complement the current VRS system for users in remote areas with unstable internet connections — islands, mountains or fast-moving vehicles.

GNSS control points have been installed across the country, including four on Jeju Island and one in Gageodo, an island off the southwestern coast. The state plans to install additional points on four islands, including Ulleungdo, about 120 kilometers off Korea’s eastern coast, to operate 103 control points in total by the end of this year.

October 1, 2025
Construction company Render Networks integrates Trimble GNSS for real-time location data

Render Networks, a specialist in digital network construction management, is integrating with Trimble Mobile Manager, bringing Trimble’s high-precision GNSS capabilities to broadband and utility network deployments.

The integration enables centimeter-level accuracy at the point of construction, minimizing delays and ensuring that as-built records are complete and verifiable from day one.

The integration enables Render users to consume high-precision positions from Trimble receivers, including the Trimble DA2 with Trimble Catalyst and the Trimble R2, directly within Render Networks’ mobile app. This means Render Networks’ customers can deliver fast, accurate and verifiable as-builts as part of their normal workflows, eliminating the need for site revisits, reducing rework, and streamlining project acceptance.

“Our customers are building critical infrastructure at massive scale, and high-accuracy data is non-negotiable,” said Rob Laudati, chief product and partner officer, at Render Networks. “With this new integration, we’re giving crews the ability to capture as-builts with location accuracy in real time, accelerating closeout and ensuring data quality that supports compliance, operations, and asset management for decades to come.”

Render Networks will showcase the new Trimble integration at the SCTE TechExpo, Booth #882, Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 in Washington, D.C.

September 19, 2025
JAVAD, ProStar integrate products for utility mapping
JAVAD GNSS and ProStar have announced an integrated collaboration for high-precision utility mapping and infrastructure asset tracking. The collaboration features JAVAD GNSS U.S.-made smart antennas and the mobile utility mapping software, PointMan by ProStar.

This strategic partnership expands the reach of both companies and addresses the growing demand for fully integrated and field-ready precision mapping solutions in the utility industry.

The combined solution pairs:
- JAVAD GNSS smart antennas, designed and manufactured in the United States, delivering centimeter accuracy, multi-constellation support, and resilience in demanding field conditions.
- PointMan by ProStar mobile software, a platform for mapping, visualizing and managing above- and below-ground assets in real time on standard mobile devices.
“Through strategic partnerships with leading hardware manufacturers like JAVAD, we are transforming the utility mapping industry,”said Page Tucker, CEO and founder of ProStar. “We see this as part of a growing trend in the industry where major hardware providers recognize they can create greater value for their customers by bundling our PointMan solutions with their hardware products.”
September 16, 2025
SPH Engineering launches multibeam echosounder payload for UAVs

SPH Engineering has released a multibeam echosounder system for UAVs that uses the Cerulean Surveyor 240-16, a compact bathymetric sensor designed for shallow-water mapping.

The system expands drone-based hydrographic surveying capabilities by providing high-resolution bathymetric data collection over shallow waters. The Surveyor 240-16 operates at 240 kHz with a measurement range of 0.5 m to 50 m, targeting inland waterways, reservoirs, ports and environmental monitoring locations.

The multibeam system generates an 80° cross-track swath with a 16-element receive array and 1° angular resolution, allowing operators to map wider bottom coverage compared to traditional single-beam payloads.

The payload integrates with SPH Engineering’s UgCS flight planning software and SkyHub onboard computer for automated missions. Weighing 2.4 kilograms with all components and consuming 15 watts of power, the system works with UAVs including DJI M300, M350 and M400 models, as well as Inspired Flight IF800 and IF1200 aircraft.

SPH Engineering conducted field validation at Titutga Lake in Latvia in August 2025. Survey flights operated at an average speed of 1.2 m per second, balancing data collection density with UAV battery endurance.

Testing compared the multibeam system’s performance against single-beam payloads, which engineers noted remain useful for quality control verification of multibeam datasets. The combined approach demonstrated capabilities for high-resolution mapping in areas previously difficult to access with boat-based systems.

Software compatibility includes full support in BeamworX, with Hydromagic integration planned for future releases.

“The payload based on Cerulean Surveyor 240-16 represents a milestone in drone-based bathymetry,” said Alexey Dobrovolskiy, CEO of SPH Engineering. “By combining multibeam technology with UAV platforms, we are enabling hydrographers to collect dense bathymetric datasets at a fraction of the time and cost of conventional systems. This integration opens new opportunities for surveying reservoirs, lakes, and coastal areas that were previously inaccessible or unsafe.”

September 4, 2025
California updates its spatial reference network

The California Spatial Reference Center (CSRC) modernized the California Spatial Reference Network (CSRN) on July 31, 2025. The new California Spatial Reference Network is denoted as CSRN Epoch 2025.00.

These coordinates changes affect California geospatial users, but the transition process to the new epoch is something that others should understand to prepare for the new, modernized National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), which is expected to be adopted in 2026. As I mentioned in my August 2025 newsletter, NSRS users should proactively assess their geospatial data dependencies and evaluate how adoption of the new datum will affect workflows, datasets and operational decision‑making.

The California Spatial Reference System (CSRS) is the official geodetic datum in California, as published by the California Spatial Reference Center (CSRC) according to Public Resources Code (PRC) §§8850–8861. The image below depicts the CSRN. It is rigorously aligned to the current definition of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) through a set of coordinate transformations from ITRF2020 to NAD83(2011) as published by the NOAA/NOS National Geodetic Survey (NGS). The California Spatial Reference System (CSRS) is realized by the geodetic coordinates and uncertainties of the CSRN on the date of 2025.00 (January 1, 2025; GPS week 2347, day 3) of 1068 GNSS stations (881 active and 187 defunct stations) in California and at the borders of Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Baja California. CSRN Epoch 2025.00 NAD83(2011) replaces the previous CSRS Epoch 2017.50 NAD83(2011).

The latest hybrid geoid model GEOID18 published by NGS was used to compute Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-derived orthometric heights (DCOH) on the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) datum in accordance with the California PRC §§8890-8902 (California Orthometric Heights).

Plot of CSRN (Credit: SOPAC)

As previously mentioned, the new CSRC Epoch 2025.00 (NAD83 (2011) replaces the previously published CSRC Epoch 2017.5 NAD83 (2011). Readers can obtain the project report that provides technical information about the new realization at the following link: https://sopac-csrc.ucsd.edu/index.php/csrn-epoch-2025-00/ . The website provides web-links to the project report and a table of stations that includes information about the coordinates. See the image captioned “Excerpt from CSRC Epoch 2025.00 Web Page” for the links to the reports and tables. The CSRC Epoch 2025.00 realization is aligned with NAD83 2011, Epoch 2010.0. See the image captioned “Excerpt from Project Report V2” for the summary from the report. I have highlighted some sections of the summary that I thought others would find of interest.

Excerpt from CSRC Epoch 2025.00 web page.

Excerpt from Project Report V2

Summary

This report, prepared under California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Contract No. 52A0157, Task Order 1, documents the modernization of the California Spatial Reference Network (CSRN) by the California Spatial Reference Center (CSRC). This updated realization aligns the CSRN with the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83 2011, epoch 2010.00).

The new reference frame, effective on January 1, 2025 (GPS Week 2347, Day 3), is called CSRN Epoch 2025.00 NAD83(2011), referred to for short as CSRN Epoch 2025.00. It replaces the previous adjustment at Epoch 2017.50 and remains a core component of the California Spatial Reference System (CSRS).

The CSRN is defined by the geodetic coordinates and uncertainties (Table 1) of 1,068 continuous GNSS stations—881 active and 187 inactive or decommissioned—located throughout California and bordering regions in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Baja California, Mexico. As California’s official geodetic reference network under Public Resources Code (PRC) §§8850–8861, all Caltrans surveys using the California Coordinate System of 1983 (CCS83) must reference CSRN control stations or comply with CSRN specifications. The definition and use of CCS83 are governed by PRC §§8801–8819. This new realization is fundamentally tied to the International Terrestrial Reference Frame 2020 (ITRF2020) through the IGb20 coordinates adopted by International GNSS Service (IGS) Analysis Centers. All multi-year processing for this project was performed within this state-of-the-art global reference frame. Furthermore, the CSRN Epoch 2025.00 is rigorously aligned with the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) maintained by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS). Epoch 2025.00 geodetic coordinates are transformed from ITRF2020 to NAD83(2011) using the NGS Horizontal Time-Dependent (HTDP) utility (Figure 1). The ITRF2020 coordinates (X,Y,Z) of the 1068 CSRN stations are transformed into geodetic coordinates (latitude, longitude and ellipsoidal height), using the GRS80 ellipsoidal parameters (semi-major axis, a = 6378137 m and inverse flattening, 1/f = 298.257 222 101).

CSRC submitted to the European Petroleum Survey Group (EPSG) definitions for datums, transformations, and coordinate reference systems for Epoch 2025.00 to facilitate unique terminology with associated metadata.

GPS data (phases and pseudoranges contained in RINEX data files) collected at the CSRN stations from June 10, 1992 to May 17, 2025, and about 300 global tracking stations of the IGS network were re-analyzed in the ITRF2020 reference frame. The complete set of RINEX data and metadata are accessible from the Scripps Orbit and Permanent Array Center data archive.

The latest hybrid geoid model GEOID18 published by NGS is used to interpolate geoid heights for each of the CSRN stations as the basis of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) derived California Orthometric Heights (DCOH) on the NAVD 88 datum in accordance with the California PRC §§8890-8902 (California Orthometric Heights).

Figure 1. Reference frames for CSRN Epoch 2025.00 NAD83(2011).

As provided in the summary of the report, a diagram noted that the ITRF 2020 cartesian (XYZ) coordinates were transformed into NAD83 (2011) cartesian (XYZ) coordinates, and then into local topocentric coordinates (NEU) to obtain the CSRC Epoch 2025.00 NAD83 (2011) coordinates.

I downloaded the table of stations with their various coordinates and plotted the differences between the new CSRC Epoch 2025.00 NAD83 (2011) and the previous CSRC Epoch 2017.50 (NAD83 (2011) for stations that were designed as operational stations in 2025. The following plots depict the difference in coordinates between Epoch 2025.00 and Epoch 2017.50. One can see that there’s a reason that California needs to periodically update the coordinates of the California Spatial Reference Network. Some of the horizontal coordinates have changed over 300 mm or around one foot. The vertical coordinate changes are not as large, but some do shift more than 4 cm.

Note: The plots do not include newer stations with less than 6 months of solutions (no velocities estimated) and defunct stations (stations in Epoch 2017.50 but no data before January 1, 2025.

Differences in horizontal coordinates (N, E) between Epoch2025.00 and Epoch 2017.50 (northern section).

Differences in horizontal coordinates (N, E) between Epoch2025.00 and Epoch 2017.50 (southern section).

Differences in vertical coordinates (U) between Epoch2025.00 and Epoch 2017.50 (northern section).

Differences in Vertical Coordinates (U) between Epoch2025.00 and Epoch 2017.50 (southern section)

The image below provides some statistics about the differences in coordinates between Epoch 2025.00 and Epoch 2017.50.

Notes: (1) Only includes operational stations in 2025 (2) Does not include newer stations with less than 6 months of solutions (no velocities estimated). (3) Does not include defunct stations: in Epoch 2017.50 but no data before January 1, 2025.

This newsletter highlighted that the CSRC has adopted a new Public Resources Code–compliant geodetic datum (reference frame) for California: CSRN Epoch 2025.00 NAD83(2011), which replaces CSRN Epoch 2017.50 NAD83(2011). The updated datum incorporates secular (linear) tectonic motions across the North America–Pacific plate boundary, transient motions (such as coseismic and postseismic deformation and fault creep), vertical land motion (subsidence and uplift), and data from new stations established since Epoch 2017.50. Additionally, the new vertical datum provides a comprehensive set of California Orthometric Heights on the NAVD88 datum for all CSRN stations.

In essence, the CSRC has released three new datums. The first is tied to ITRF2020, the second to NAD83(2011), and the third to NAVD88. Transformation parameters are available between the first two datums. The NAD83(2011)-based datum satisfies California’s Public Resources Code requirements and is the recommended standard for geodetic control in the state. The NAVD88-based datum provides GNSS-derived California Orthometric Heights of 1988 (COH88).

These new datums will be added to the European Petroleum Survey Group (EPSG) database, the worldwide standard for coordinate reference systems (CRSs) and transformations. Each will receive a unique EPSG code, making it easy to reference and use. This will ensure that CSRN Epoch 2025.00 NAD83(2011), CSRN Epoch 2025.00 (ITRF2020), and COH88 Epoch 2025.00 (NAVD88) can be seamlessly integrated into industry software.

The CSRC report also noted that NGS has released a beta version of the modernized horizontal and vertical datums for the NSRS: NGS New Datums.

Once the modernized NSRS is fully published, and in response to the needs of California’s user community, CSRC will continue working to secure resources that support its partnership with NGS and ensure ongoing compatibility with national programs.

September 3, 2025
SBG Systems expands IMU product line

SBG Systems has announced the upcoming release of the Pulse-20 inertial measurement unit (IMU) and the commercial availability of the Pulse-80, expanding its IMU product portfolio to three performance levels.

The Pulse-20, described as a sub-miniature, industrial-grade IMU, will be available before year-end. The company now offers three IMU models designed for different performance requirements: the Pulse-20, Pulse-40 and Pulse-80.

Pulse-20 IMU

The Pulse-20 features built-in magnetometers for nine-degree-of-freedom measurements and includes CAN communication alongside serial connectivity. The compact unit targets applications requiring high performance in limited space.

The Pulse-40 represents tactical-grade performance, while the Pulse-80 delivers what the company calls FOG-level performance without the size, weight and cost associated with traditional fiber-optic gyroscopes.

All three models share the same software interface and undergo temperature calibration and qualification testing, according to the company.

The IMUs target multiple industries including unmanned vehicles, munitions guidance and navigation, electro-optical systems, mobile and surveying applications.

The Pulse-80 is currently available worldwide. The Pulse-20 will become commercially available later this year.

September 2, 2025
Ghana launches nationwide CORS network exercise

Ghana Lands Commission, through its Survey and Mapping Division (SMD), in collaboration with the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG) and GMX Systems Ghana Limited, has launched a nationwide observation exercise for Ghana’s GNSS Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) Network.

This initiative is a major milestone in modernizing the country’s geospatial infrastructure and improving land administration.

The exercise aims to integrate more than 60 newly established CORS stations into the national geodetic framework, consolidating Ghana’s Grid Coordinate System. The partners plan to expand the network to 100 stations before the end of the year.

With a modern CORS network, surveyors and spatial data users will have 24/7 access to high-precision data, improved efficiency and cost savings, while aligning Ghana with international geospatial standards.

It will improve accuracy for land records, agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure development, and revenue generation for the Lands Commission. The observation will be rolled out in three phases — Southern, Middle, and Northern zones — to ensure systematic coverage and data management.

August 20, 2025
Hexagon supports Skanska in building subsea road tunnel in Norway
Hexagon’s surveying solutions are playing a key role in the construction of Project Rogfast, a 27-km subsea road tunnel in Norway that is set to be the longest and deepest of its kind. Running 392 m below sea level, the tunnel will link Stavanger, Haugesund and Bergen, aiming to cut travel time by up to 50% and strengthening economic connections in the oil and gas sector.

The project, led by construction firm Skanska, presents unique engineering challenges, including tunneling from both ends with a final meeting point that allows for no more than a 5 cm margin of error. Even small misalignments could result in significant delays and costly rework. Skanska is using Hexagon’s portfolio of Leica Geosystems solutions to align machinery and validate measurements in real time, enabling precise tunneling under extreme conditions.

Hexagon’s technologies are delivering measurable impact across the project by:
- Enabling precise alignment with total stations, GPS, multistations and laser scanners.
- Reducing rework, emissions, and cost through real-time data capture and validation.
- Powering safe operations under extreme conditions, 392 m below sea level.
“In a project like this, even a millimeter of misalignment can trigger cascading risks,” said Trond Valleur, vice president at Skanska. “Hexagon’s technology gives our teams the confidence to move forward with accuracy, efficiency and safety.”

The Leica Nova MS60 MultiStation is a robotic total station that can measure points down to 1 mm to 2 mm and capture 3D scans. (Credit: Hexagon)

The collaboration reflects a partnership between Skanska and Hexagon that has spanned more than 30 years. The Skanska team is using several Leica Geosystems surveying instruments, including the Leica RTC360, Leica MS60 MultiStation, Leica AP20 AutoPole and Leica TS60.
August 11, 2025
JAVAD GNSS unveils new data collection software

Javad GNSS has released its latest data collection software, Javad Data Collector (JDC). Designed to run seamlessly on any Android device, JDC interfaces effortlessly with the company’s modern line of smart antennas.

JDC features simple, intuitive workflows that require minimal training, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. The software includes a Signal Bar for a quick view of receiver status, ensuring users can easily monitor their equipment’s performance. Additionally, JDC offers easy navigation, allowing users to move through the software with efficiency.

“Our goal with JDC was to create a tool that not only meets but exceeds the needs of our diverse clientele,” said Gary Walker, executive vice president, JAVAD GNSS. “We understand the demands of the full spectrum ranging from the individual surveyor to larger surveying firms, construction and engineering firms, as well as government entities. JDC is designed to streamline their operations, making it easier to deploy and manage receivers across teams of any size with minimal training.”

JDC is available for download through the company’s official website. Customers can evaluate the full functionality of JDC with limited point storage and may request a license when ready to integrate it into their workflow.

August 5, 2025
Changes in OPUS products when the new NSRS is adopted: what does this mean to users?
On July 23, 2025, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) sent a news notice announcing the rollout plan for remaining NSRS modernization products, including OPUS Products Changes, and on June 11, 2025, they sent a news notice to users stating that NGS’s Multi-Year CORS Solution 3 (MYCS3) was released. This newsletter will highlight these two News notices and what they mean to users of the United States National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).

A colleague recently reminded me that the new NSRS is more than just a technical update — it presents an ideal opportunity to review existing processes and workflows, address current products and process considerations, and strategically plan for future requirements. It is well known that the new NSRS will significantly improve geospatial data accuracy. Improved accuracy and reliability of geospatial data empower management to make more informed decisions and optimize resource allocation. NSRS users should proactively assess their geospatial data dependencies and evaluate how adoption of the new datum will affect workflows, datasets and operational decision‑making. I will provide you with more information at a later date.

NGS NEWS

Rollout Plan for Remaining NSRS Modernization products, including OPUS Products Changes

On June 17, 2025, NGS released the first preliminary products of the modernized National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) for beta testing and feedback. In the coming months, additional products listed below will be made available. As each product is released, it will undergo at least six months of testing preceding the final adoption and implementation of the modernized NSRS.

The descriptions below supersede previous updates or information shared in NSRS Modernization blueprint documents, plans, or presentations. These products and their status will be described on the Track Our Progress webpage.
1. The Data Delivery System (DDS) landing page will provide an updated version of the “NGS Map” and “Looking for Benchmarks” pages. This new landing page will allow you to access modernized informational pages about geodetic stations and geodetic marks.
2. Geodetic station pages will offer an updated version of the current NOAA CORS Network (NCN) station pages. Geodetic mark pages will be updated datasheets, replacing the current ASCII text file version of datasheets. The updated coordinates (reference epoch coordinates) for marks and updated CORS coordinate functions (CCFs) for CORSs in the modernized NSRS will be available through these pages.
3. The NGS Coordinate Conversion and Transformation Tool (NCAT) will be updated through multiple versions, currently with state plane coordinates, then later adding support for various geopotential calculations including ellipsoid/orthometric height conversion as well as NADCON (geometric) and VERTCON (orthometric) transformations from the current NSRS to the modernized NSRS.
4. OPUS-Static will function similarly to today’s tool, but it will operate with the modernized NSRS, including the support of multi-GNSS data. Additionally, the popular function of “sharing” your solution with others (colloquially called “OPUS-Share”) will be retained, but with appropriate caveats that the shared solution should not be used as geodetic control. These shared solutions will be available through the geodetic mark pages of the DDS.
The following products will not be included in the release of the modernized NSRS. However, plans to replace the services or mitigate gaps are described below.
- OPUS-Projects 5 will not be included in the modernized NSRS. Instead, NGS will focus on both developing an improved software suite for OPUS, known as OPUS 6, and minimizing any gap in service in which the current OPUS-Projects functionality is not available for users to organize, process, adjust, and submit high-accuracy GPS surveys for use by NGS in expanding and improving the NSRS. As noted above, OPUS-Share will remain available as a means to submit data to NGS.
- OPUS-Rapid Static (OPUS-RS) will not be included in the modernized NSRS. Instead, the modernized version of OPUS-Static, noted above, will be capable of processing multi-GNSS static data files that are shorter in duration (i.e., less than 2 hours).
Note: the current OPUS Projects 5 software will be supported until the modernized system is adopted, and a deadline for OPUS-Projects users to submit their surveys for publication will be announced with at least six months’ notice.

To stay informed about these releases, please subscribe to NGS News. If you have questions, please email [email protected].

Now, I would like to address the issues associated with July 23, 2025, announcement. This NGS News announced the rollout plan for the remaining NSRS modernization products. I have highlighted several sentences in this announcement that I believe users need to understand to determine the impact on their processes and workflows that are used to generate their products and services.

The news announcement states that NGS released the first preliminary products of the modernized National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) for beta testing and feedback. My July 2025 GPS World Newsletter highlighted these preliminary products. It mentioned that in the coming months, additional products will be made available. Each product will undergo at least six months of testing preceding the final adoption and implementation of the modernized NSRS. This seems to be a good process, but users need to understand the complete message.

The NGS News announcement provides a list of products that will be available and a list of products that will not be available when the new NSRS is adopted. Users need to understand what products will not be available after NGS officially adopts the new NSRS so they can determine what that means to their workflow process and client requirements. In my opinion, for the new NSRS to be successfully implemented by users, it is essential that all the necessary software tools are available to enable users to submit projects for review, approval, and publication by NGS. As many of you know, when I worked for NGS, I was the Project Manager of the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). That said, from my experience as the NAVD 88 Project Manager, having the appropriate tools available was important for users to implement NAVD 88. As a matter of fact, NGS accepted and processed vertical control data in both NGVD 29 and NAVD 88 for a period to assist users in the implementation of the new vertical reference datum.

It is important to note that the NGS News Announcement states that OPUS-Project 5 will not be included in the new NSRS when it is officially adopted. See the below image.

Since OPUS Projects 5 will not be supported after the modernized system is adopted, users will not be able to submit their projects for review, approval, and publication by NGS like they can do today. NGS does indicate that they will be working on OPUS 6 to “minimize any gap in service.” There are a few questions that I believe should be addressed: (1) What does “minimize any gap in service” mean? Is this one month, one year, or several years? (2) Why must the new NSRS be adopted before users can submit their projects to NGS for official publication? And (3) Why should users use OPUS-Share when NGS itself advises against relying on OPUS-Share results for establishing geodetic control? If the federal agencies and surveying community allow the new NSRS to be adopted before OPUS 6 is available or OPUS Project 5 is modified for use in the new NSRS, the only way to get an updated coordinate such as NATRF2022 and NAPGD2022 using NGS process will be to use NGS OPUS-Share products. Again, NGS states that OPUS-Share results should not be used as geodetic control. See NGS’ statement on OPUS Share below.

This is NGS’s statement on OPUS-Share: Additionally, the popular function of “sharing” your solution with others (colloquially called “OPUS-Share”) will be retained, but with appropriate caveats that the shared solution should not be used as geodetic control. These shared solutions will be available through the geodetic mark pages of the DDS.

Using OPUS-Share results that are NOT official NSRS coordinates published by NGS could lead to confusing results and potential lawsuits since NGS does not stand behind the results and recommends NOT using OPUS-Share results for geodetic control. Why would users use OPUS-Share to establish geodetic control when NGS itself advises against relying on OPUS-Share for establishing geodetic control? OPUS-Share results are not officially submitted to NGS for review, approval, and publication on an NGS Datasheet. I don’t believe this approach will meet the needs of users who require their projects to be reviewed, approved, and published by NGS. What is your opinion? You should let NGS, and others know your thoughts and concerns about NGS’s rollout plan for remaining NSRS modernization products.

Now for the release of NGS’s Multi-Year CORS Solution 3 (MYCS3).

NGS MYCS 3 released (Credit: NGS)

First, why did NGS perform the NGS Multi-Year CORS Solution 3 (MYCS3)? To maintain consistency with the International Earth Rotation and Reference System Service (IERS) and the International GNSS Service (IGS) reference frames, NGS has implemented the new International Terrestrial Reference Frame 2020 (ITRF2020) and IGS20 realizations in the U.S. NOAA CORS Network (NCN). What this means to NSRS users is that NGS has updated the North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83), epoch 2010.0 coordinates for stations in the NOAA CORS Network (NCN). This update is called the Multi-Year CORS Solution 3 (MYCS3).

In summary, the MYCS3 news notice states the following:
- The coordinate functions for NOAA CORS Network (NCN) stations are now consistent with ITRF2020,
- NGS datasheets will display the new NAD 83 coordinates transformed from ITRF2020 coordinate functions,
- The new NAD 83 coordinates will be referenced to NAD 83 2011 (epoch 2010.0),
- Position and velocity files will display coordinates/velocities in both NAD 83 and ITRF2020, and
- The NGS Online Positioning Users Service (OPUS) will begin processing data with NCN control that is consistent with ITRF2020 at the time of measurement; and the results will still be transformed to NAD 83 2011, epoch 2010.0.
The first question that everyone asks is, what are the changes to the coordinates in my region? And, of course, why was it necessary to do this update now, but that’s a discussion for another day. I downloaded the data and prepared a few plots and a table to depict the differences between the new and old coordinates. First, it should be noted that the old NCN coordinates were published in ITRF 2014, epoch 2010.0, and the new NCN coordinates are published in ITRF 2020, epoch 2020.0. So, there will be differences in coordinates because of updates between ITRF2014 and ITRF2020, and because the CORS ITRF 2020 coordinates are published at epoch 2020.0 instead of 2010.0.

The image below provides the new and old CORS coordinates and velocity information for NOAA CORS Monroe (NCMR). These values can be obtained from NGS CORS website.

ITRF coordinates for NCMR. (Credit: NGS)

The difference between ellipsoid heights is straightforward. In the example, the difference is 144.357 meters minus 144.345 meters or 0.012 m. The image captioned “Change in Ellipsoid Height in NC based on ITRF 2020” provides the differences between MYCS3 and MYCS2 NAD83 2011, epoch 2010.0 published ellipsoid heights for the CORS in North Carolina. In other words, this is the change in the NAD 83 2011, epoch 2010.0 ellipsoid height at the CORS after updating to ITRF2020, epoch 2020. I’ve highlighted the NCMR CORS in the box. As you can see from the plot, there are several CORS in North Carolina that their ellipsoid heights have changed significantly; that is, greater than 20 mm and as large as -89 mm.

Change in Ellipsoid Height in NC based on ITRF 2020 (units in mm).

I don’t know about you, but I can’t determine the change in coordinates by looking at XYZ or Latitude/Longitude values. For the horizontal change I computed the differences in latitude and longitude and converted the results to millimeters. As indicated in the image above, the changes in the horizontal component are typically small; that is, less than a few mm. There are, however, a few larger changes such as the one at CORS TN1B (which is in Tennessee) that changed 30 mm.

Change in Horizontal Coordinates in NC based on ITRF 2020 (units mm).

I suppose for all “practical purposes” the changes are small and shouldn’t impact most survey projects. Some of the larger changes are probably a good thing because that may mean that the CORS coordinates needed to be updated to account for movement or something else that affected the coordinates. I created a table that provides the minimum, mean, and maximum values in ellipsoid height and horizontal differences. See the table titled “Differences Between MYCS 3 and MYCS 2 Solutions of NOAA CORS.” I highlighted the State of North Carolina values.

So, why is it important to understand these differences? The NGS Online Positioning Users Service (OPUS) has begun processing data with NCN control that is consistent with ITRF2020 at the time of measurement. This means that if you compare old projects to new projects, you may find some small differences due to the change in CORS NAD 83 2011, epoch 2010.0 coordinates. As I previously mentioned, these differences are small and should not affect the results of most survey projects. Although, any difference can lead to someone questioning their results.

As another example of the changes, the two plots below in the image captioned, “Change in CORS coordinates in Colorado based on ITRF 2020” provides the differences between MYCS3 and MYCS2 NAD83 2011, epoch 2010.0 published coordinates for the CORS in Colorado.

Change in CORS coordinates in Colorado based on ITRF 2020 Ellipsoid Height Change (units in mm).

Change in CORS Coordinates in Colorado based on ITRF 2020 Horizontal Change (units in mm).

Another difference that I computed using the results from the MYCS3 solution is an estimate of the changes between the current NSRS, that is NAD 83 2011 (epoch 2010.0) and new NSRS, for example NATRF2022, epoch 2020.0. This is only an estimate but provides a value that users can attain the magnitude of the changes in their local region. The image below depicts the approximate changes in horizontal and vertical components between the current NSRS (NAD 83 2011, epoch 2010.0) and the future NSRS (NATRF2022, epoch 2020.0) based on the CORS in the NCN. (Note that the units have changed to cm.)

Differences between ITRF2020 and NAD 83 2011 in NC Horizontal Change (units in cm).

Differences between ITRF2020 and NAD 83 2011 in NC Ellipsoid Height Change (units in cm).

To demonstrate that these changes vary region by region, I prepared plots depicting the changes in the State of Washington and the U.S. Gulf Coast region. As indicated in the plots, the differences between the current NSRS and the new modernized NSRS will vary from state to state and are significantly different than the current NSRS coordinates.

Differences between ITRF2020 and NAD 83 2011 in Washington State
Horizontal Change (units in cm).

Differences between ITRF2020 and NAD 83 2011 in Washington State Ellipsoid Height Change (units in cm).

Differences Between ITRF2020 and NAD 83 2011 in the Gulf Coast Region Horizontal Change (units in cm).

Differences Between ITRF2020 and NAD 83 2011 in the Gulf Coast Region Ellipsoid Height Change (units in cm).

This newsletter underscored upcoming OPUS product changes that NGS will implement following adoption of the modernized NSRS, along with updates to CORS station coordinates resulting from the Multi‑Year CORS Solution 3 (MYCS3). It clarified what these changes mean for users of the U.S. NSRS. I also flagged several topics in the NGS News bulletins that warrant further attention, as they are critical for understanding how the modernized NSRS will impact geospatial products and services. The new NSRS offers a strategic opportunity for users to comprehensively review existing processes and workflows, reassess current products, and proactively plan for future requirements. By auditing geospatial data dependencies now, NSRS users can evaluate how transitioning to the new datum will impact workflows, datasets, and operational decision-making.

Will you be ready to implement the new NSRS after NGS officially adopts it? Will you have the appropriate tools available to implement the new NSRS? These are questions that everyone that uses the NSRS should be addressing now.
August 5, 2025
Canada’s CSRS-PPP service sets a new standard for high-precision GNSS

Launched in 2003, Canada’s Precise Point Positioning (PPP) service, CSRS-PPP, continues to solidify its place as a world-class GNSS post-processing platform. Operated by the Canadian Geodetic Survey (CGS) under Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the service enables users to obtain highly accurate coordinates from raw GNSS data without requiring proximity to a base station. Users simply upload RINEX observation files from either static or kinematic receivers, and CSRS-PPP returns positions referenced to NAD83(CSRS) or the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). Crucially, this free and publicly accessible service is contributing enormously to the democratization of centimeter-level GNSS positioning for users around the world.

Galileo PPP-AR Now Supported

On May 14, 2025, CGS released a major upgrade to the service that introduced support for Galileo PPP with Ambiguity Resolution (PPP-AR). This new capability applies to Galileo E1/E5a signals recorded on or after November 27, 2022, and is available when using either Rapid or Final products. These “products” refer to high-precision satellite data; specifically, calculated information about satellite orbits, clock corrections, and signal biases, based on data collected by a global network of stations. The collected data are processed by NRCan and international partners to support CSRS- PPP’s precise positioning outputs. The recent CSRS-PPP upgrade builds on the PPP-AR support for GPS added in 2020 for data recorded on or after January 1, 2018, marking a significant step toward fully integrated, ambiguity-resolved positioning using data from multiple GNSS constellations.

Why PPP-AR Matters

The major milestone in October 2020, when ambiguity resolution was introduced to the CSRS-PPP platform, ushered in a new era of precision for users. At the core of PPP-AR is a significant shift in how satellite signals are interpreted. Traditional PPP estimates carrier-phase ambiguities as ‘float’ (real-valued) parameters because the integer number of whole carrier wavelengths between satellite and receiver remains unknown and unresolved. In contrast, PPP-AR resolves these ambiguities as fixed integers by utilizing precise satellite orbit and clock products alongside detailed modeling of satellite and receiver biases, thereby enabling reliable integer ambiguity resolution. This leap in algorithmic refinement leads to faster convergence times and enhanced accuracy, often down to the centimeter level. Ambiguity Resolution can lead to particularly noticeable improvements on east–west accuracy, which makes PPP-AR particularly valuable in applications demanding high horizontal precision.

CSRS-PPP Advances: Broader Satellite Support and Richer Output Data

Since its inception, CSRS-PPP has evolved steadily. Alongside expanded satellite constellation support, the platform’s reference frame has progressively advanced through updates from ITRF2005 to subsequent realizations, culminating in the adoption of ITRF2020. Additionally, CSRS-PPP output files now include valuable metrics such as estimated tropospheric delays, receiver clock offsets, and ambiguity resolution statistics. These enhancements provide users with more detailed insights into solution quality.

Meeting Growing Demand

Canada’s geodetic services continue to experience strong growth, with an increasing number of users relying on the CSRS-PPP service and related geodetic tools for essential positioning information. According to the Surveyor General Branch Annual Report for 2022–2023, file retrievals through CSRS-PPP and related tools increased by 45% in 2022 compared with 2021. Between 2022 and 2023, CGS supported over 11,000 active users and processed close to 1.3 million files across its suite of geodetic products and services.

An Evolving Platform

Even as this article was being written, on July 15, 2025, CSRS-PPP announced support for GPS signals C1L, L1L, C1X and L1X, further enhancing its capabilities and reaffirming its role at the core of a modern geodetic infrastructure. As GNSS shifts toward multi-frequency, multi-constellation services, CSRS-PPP is evolving in parallel, making centimeter-level accuracy accessible to a wider user base. With robust algorithms and enriched data outputs, CSRS-PPP remains a critical tool for high-precision positioning in Canada and a model for international GNSS services.

August 5, 2025