Alabama Height Modernization

Overview | Accomplishments | Regional Activities | Program Details | Contacts

Program Overview

Alabama's Height Modernization Program is administered through the state's Department of Revenue (ALDOR), and ALDOR has formally partnered with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for this project. The long term goal of the project is to build a network of geodetic control that will enable users to obtain accurate, reliable elevation data. Specific goals include establishing accurate elevations at or near Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) through geodetic leveling, developing digital orthophotography and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Elevation models, and continuing education and capacity building efforts.

Accomplishments

ALDOT has developed a 40 km Primary Base Station Network throughout the State and will provide direct management for the development of the Local Network Stations through contracts and coordinating with the ALDOR. Eventually, the Local Network Stations will be incorporated as part of the GIS Base Map Layer and/or Digital Orthophotography contracts.

ALDOR and ALDOT have collaborated with the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), and Alabama's Information Services Division to develop digital orthophotography Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Elevation Models. Previously collected remote sensing data has already been provided to Homeland Security for Virtual Earth/Google Earth projects that ultimately provide orthophotography and elevation data to ADECA for the Flood Map Improvement Program.

To improve outreach and education, a partnership with the Alabama Society of Professional Land Surveyors (ASPLS) has resulted in classes at the annual surveying conferences and quarterly ASPLS Chapter meetings. Other education and outreach events have included annual sessions held at the meetings, mapping conferences, County Engineers Conference, and the ALDOT Transportation Conference.

Regional Activities

Alabama is part of the Height Modernization Gulf Coast Region. Alabama coordinates activities with the University of Southern Mississippi, which houses the Gulf Coast Geospatial Center (GCGC), and projects have been completed throughout both states.

Program Details

NGS Height Modernization Grant recipient

• Partner agencies: Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR)
• Principal Investigators: Leslie Mackay, ALDOR

Project(s)

• Gulf Coast Height Modernization Project (2012): NGS supported (project page)

Publication(s)

"Extension to Debut New Precision Farming Technology in Courtland, May 16," Extension Daily, April 24, 2008 ... more

Contact Information

Leslie Mackey
Alabama Department of Revenue
Email

John Russell
Alabama Department of Transportation
Email

For additional inquiries, contact the State Geodetic Advisor Program or the National Height Modernization Program directly. State geodetic advisors serve as liaisons between NOAA and regional or state organizations.