ACSM.NET - National Geodetic Survey (NGS)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Geodetic Survey (NGS) defines and manages a national coordinate system. This network, the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), determines position, height, distance, gravity, and shoreline throughout the United States which provides the foundation for transportation and communication; mapping and charting; and a multitude of scientific and engineering applications.

Committed to making transportation and navigation safer, NGS conducts aerial photography surveys near airports in the United States and its possessions to position obstructions and aids to air travel. NGS also maps the coastal regions of the United States and provides data for navigational charts.

NGS develops Federal standards for geodetic surveys and helps to coordinate surveying methods. NGS State Geodetic Advisors are stationed in several states to work with local communities to expand surveying capabilities.

Since 1807, NGS and its predecessor agencies have led the world in precise positioning and developed emerging technologies for the public. NGS provides its expertise and a wealth of free information, including direct access to its data base on the World Wide Web at: www.ngs.noaa.gov