Arizona Height Modernization
Overview | Accomplishments | Regional Activities | Program Details | Contacts
Program Overview
Picture of Grand Canyon. Photo:William Stone, NOAA
The Arizona Height Modernization Program (AZHMP) improves the state’s vertical control network especially in areas of substantial subsidence and in areas where the existing network is particularly dated or sparse. The intent of the AZHMP has been to build local capacity, transfer technology, and provide support through partnerships for all activities. An additional benefit is enabling ties between the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) and the National Spatial Reference System. To encourage partnerships in AZHMP, and therefore NHMP, the program will provide grants to local government agencies to support survey work, processing of surveys for inclusion into the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), and software development. The long term plan is to create an Arizona Spatial Reference Center, to create a CORS network (AZCORS), and to create a GPS Statewide Network (3800 stations) with additional leveling, support and research.
Accomplishments
Currently the program has identified 9 of an expected 14 recipients of grants to support local survey field work and data processing. With the funds, local governments are beginning to create Arizona’s Statewide Network; for example, in Gila and Cochise Counties 122 and 138 stations were set, respectively. Software development efforts include a program to support formatting survey data for inclusion in the NSRS and definition of the algorithms needed to enable the design of Low Distortion Projections (LDPs) based on good control and principles. With regard to AZCORS, AZHMP has procured 16 GNSS base stations with 7 operating and the remaining 9 installations underway. Finally, AZHMP conducts workshops and briefings for users on a continual basis. Topics include program status, AZCORS data products and services, AZHMP Partnership grant opportunities, grant requirements and availability, and outreach to determine user needs and to help define AZHMP future plans.
Regional Activities
Arizona is part of the Western Region. In past years, AZHMP has coordinated directly with the Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC), the Arizona Professional Land Surveyors Association (APLS), and the APLS Geospatial Organization Committee (APLS-GO) which is comprised of surveyors, photogrammetrists, geodesists, and GIS professionals. In addition, AZHMP has an ongoing collaborative effort with the State of Utah, has supported HM efforts in the States of New Mexico and Colorado, and worked with the Texas Spatial Reference Center on issues of common interest.
Program Details
NGS Height Modernization Grant recipient
- Partner agency: Arizona State Land Department (ASLD)
- Principal Investigator: Eugene Trobia, ASLD
Article(s) and Publication(s)
Related Link(s)
Contact Information
Eugene Trobia
State Cartographer
Arizona State Cartographers Office
Arizona State Land Department
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.
