Illinois Height Modernization

Overview | Accomplishments | Regional Activities | Program Details | Contacts

Program Overview

The Illinois Height Modernization Program (ILHMP) seeks to establish (1) a datum-consistent vertical and horizontal statewide network of survey bench marks, (2) a high-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the earth’s surface based upon newly acquired elevation data tied to the updated network of survey bench marks, and (3) an outlet for distribution of such elevation data for the state.  An accurate and complete geodetic network will aid engineering projects and land-use planning efforts, improving the quality of and efficiency of such public endeavors.  Additionally, Illinois’s geography puts it at risk for flooding, and accurate heights, maps, and models can improve preparedness, reduce rebuilding costs, and save lives.

Accomplishments

By September of 2011, ILHMP leveling efforts will have installed 187 new bench marks and visited 114 existing horizontal marks.  By installing new bench marks and elevating existing horizontal monuments, NAVD88 elevations for a total of 301 geodetic control marks will be added to the National Spatial Reference System.  Each new vertical monument record will include pictures and detailed descriptions. ILHMP is also coordinating with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to tie these level lines with water level gages that need NAVD88 heights. Additionally, about five terabytes of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data acquired for select Illinois counties have been archived and are accessible through the Illinois Natural Resources Geospatial Data Clearinghouse (Illinois Clearinghouse).  Finally, the ILHMP team has created outreach materials to be shared at state and national conferences and hosted a Real Time Network Workshop for the Great Lakes Region Height Modernization Consortium (GLRHMC) in November, 2009.

Regional Activities

ILHMP is an active member the Great Lakes Region Height Modernization Consortium. Project lead agencies are the Illinois State Geological Survey and the Illinois Department of Transportation; planning committee members include the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Office of Water Resources), Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association, Illinois State Water Survey, the United States Geological Survey, and the National Geodetic Survey.

Program Details

NGS Height Modernization Grant recipient

• Partner agency: University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
• Principal Investigator: Sheena Beaverson, Illinois State Geological Survey, University of Illinois

Additional Web pages

• Illinois State Geological Survey
• Illinois Department of Transportation  
• Illinois Height Modernization Program

Contact Information

Sheena Beaverson
Illinois State Geological Survey
University of Illinois
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.