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National Geodetic Survey: Who We Are |
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The National Spatial Reference System
The National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), defined and managed by
the National Geodetic Survey (NGS), is a consistent national coordinate
system that specifies latitude, longitude, height, scale, gravity, and
orientation throughout the Nation, as well as how these values change
with time.
NSRS consists of the following components:
- A consistent, accurate, and up-to-date National Shoreline;
- the National CORS, a set of Global Positioning System
Continuously Operating Reference Stations meeting NOAA geodetic
standards for installation, operation, and data distribution;
- a network of permanently marked points including the Federal
Base Network (FBN), the Cooperative Base Network (CBN), and the User
Densification Network(UDN); and
- a set of accurate models describing dynamic geophysical
processes affecting spatial measurements.
NSRS provides a highly accurate, precise, and consistent geographic reference
framework throughout the United States. It is the foundation for the National
Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), a critical component of the "information
superhighway." NSRS is a significant national resource - one whose value
far exceeds its original intended purpose.
For information, contact: NGS Information Services Branch
Telephone: 301-713-3242; Fax: 301-713-4172
Email
On the Web at: http://www.ngs.noaa.gov