About Height Modernization

The National Height Modernization Program enables access to accurate, reliable, and consistent heights. Visit the links on this page, and read more about strategic planning documents , and coordination efforts below.

General Information

• Height Modernization Definition web page
• Height Modernization Outreach and Education web page

Strategic Planning Information

• Height Modernization Program National Plan

The National Height Modernization Program has developed a strategic plan to help achieve the program's goals and priorities. This plan is closely aligned with the updated NGS Ten-Year Plan, to be formally released in January 2013. Accurate heights are essential for a wide range of economic activities, including construction and infrastructure projects; emergency planning and storm evacuation routes; flood-plain mapping to help determine flood insurance rates; control of specialized equipment for road construction, snow removal, and agriculture; sea-level monitoring; and ecosystem restoration. To learn more, read the entire plan online.

• Height Modernization and NGS Priorities

The National Height Modernization Program is also a critical component in NGS's Ten-Year Plan and Strategic Plan. Basic elements of Height Modernization, including development of a high accuracy geoid model and development of tools to assist with datum transformations, support NGS's vision of a modernized geospatial reference frame. Additionally, the National Height Modernization Program will prepare the user community before, during, and after implementation of the new vertical datum through outreach and education, tools, specifications, and guidelines.

• Height Modernization and NOAA's Vision

NOAA's vision of healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies that are resilient in the face of change depends upon reliable height information. NOAA's Next Generation Strategic Plan (NGSP) defines a "Resilient Coastal Communities and Economies" goal with objectives that include comprehensive coastal management, efficient transportation, and resource management in the Arctic. Each of these objectives depends upon the enhancement of the Nation's geospatial infrastructure as an indicator of success. Accurate elevations will support communities, navigation, and economic efficiency with accurate geospatial information, charts and maps, assessments, tools, and methods.

Coordination Efforts

• Regional Coordination

Implementation of the Height Modernization initiative began with funding support through grants for numerous states in many areas of the Nation. The National Height Modernization Program now addresses a variety of needs for an accurate height reference system in all regions of the country. The National Height Modernization Program supports cooperative activities and regional coordination within areas that share common needs and goals.

• Federal Coordination

The Height Modernization Manager leads The Vertical Reference System Work Group (VRSWG) of the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee (FGCS). The VRSWG includes experts from federal agencies responsible for a variety of mapping activities, and provides assistance to the FGCS to support practical implementation of the vertical reference system on a nation-wide scale.