Toward National Height Modernization Keynote John H Dunnigan

Toward National Height Modernization Keynote John H. Dunnigan Assistant Administrator National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service September 18, 2008

Outline • • Definition of Height Modernization History of Height Modernization Where We Are Today How Height Modernization fits into NOAA’s Goals • The Future of Height Modernization: GRAV-D • Conclusion

Height Modernization is … …the establishment of accurate, reliable heights using GPS technology in conjunction with traditional leveling, gravity, and modern remote sensing information.

NOAA’s Geospatial Foundation Land Ownership Transportation Surface Waters Boundaries Flood Plain Mapping Aerial Imagery Geodetic Control Height Modernization provides heights to ALL NOAA programs and observation systems requiring accurate heights. The positional framework NGS provides is integral to supporting the agency’s and the nation’s data collection and validation efforts.

The History of Height Modernization In 1994 - First meeting held in Sacramento, CA In 1998, $1. 0 M was added to NGS budget to perform Height Modernization Study From 2002 -2006, Height Modernization driven mostly by state-specific earmarks In 2007, competitive Height Modernization grants process begins

Growing Number of External Partners Fiscal Year States FY 2001 CA, NC FY 2002 CA, NC, LA, WI FY 2003 CA, NC, LA, WI, MS FY 2004 CA, NC, LA, WI, MS, AL, WA, SC FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 CA, NC, LA, WI, MS, AL, WA, TX, KY CA, NC, WI, MS, AL, SC, TX, KY, AZ CA, NC, WI, MS, AL, WA, SC, TX, KY, AZ, CO, IL, MI, MN, MT, NM

In FY 2007, Moved to a Competitive, National Process

Height Modernization: Where we are today Previously Funded States that Have Shown an Interest Inactive States NOAA has provided over $3. 6 M in Height Modernization grants to 17 states in FY 2008. The FY 2009 House and Senate marks allot no discretionary Height Mod Partner funds (only $2. 5 M National Height Mod Program and $3. 376 M in earmarks to LA, WI and IL)

What Height Modernization Brings to NOAA’s Climate Goal 1) NSRS Supports GEOSS 2) GPS-Met Water vapor studies 3) Monitoring land movement and effects of ground water extraction 4) Accurate flood plain elevations

What Height Modernization Brings to NOAA’s Ecosystem Goal: 1) Ecosystem Restoration - Surface Elevation Tables 2) Emergency response - Forest fires - Flooding - Earthquakes 3) Precision agriculture

What Height Modernization Brings to NOAA’s Weather and Water Goal More accurate geospatial information for: More accurate flood prediction Better Local forecasts and warnings Improved Heights on levees and dams Flood damage mitigation and reservoir management

What Height Modernization Brings to NOAA’s Commerce & Transportation Goal Common consistent geospatial data for: 1) Accurate GIS Mapping 2) Emergency response information 3) Under keel and overhead clearance for ships 4) Accurate vertical datum for ship channel maintenance and dredging 5) Airport obstruction surveys 6) Hurricane Evacuation Routes

Height Modernization Activities with Other NOAA Program Offices • National Hurricane Center • National Weather Service • Marine Fisheries • Ocean and Atmospheric Research • National Ocean Service Some NOAA PPBES Programs the benefit from Height Mod: Coastal & Marine Resources (CMR) Coral Reef Conservation (COR) Ecosystem Observations (EOP) Ecosystem Research (ERP) Habitat (HAB) Climate Observations & Monitoring (COM) Climate Research & Modeling (CRM) Climate Service Development (CSD) Coasts, Estuaries, & Oceans (CEO) Environmental Modeling (MOD) Hydrology (HYD) Local Forecasts & Warnings (LFW) Space Weather (SWX) Tsunami (TSU) Aviation Weather (AWX ) Marine Transportation System (MTS) Marine Weather (MWX) NOAA Emergency Response (EMR) Surface Weather (SFC) Regional Decision Support (RDS)

The Future of Height Modernization : GRAV-D §GRAV-D: Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum §Will redefine and improve the vertical component of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). §Will improve GPS elevation accuracy to within 2 cm compared to as much as 2 m today Enabling at-risk communities to: • plan evacuation routes • • model storm surge monitor sea-level rise monitor levee subsidence improve flood plain maps

Take Home Message - Conclusion • NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey / Geodesy Program is leading the National Height Modernization Program effort • Height Modernization provides the fundamental infrastructure for all NOAA activities requiring accurate heights • Height Modernization is critical to NOAA planning and decision making