The National Height Modernization project is a focused effort to facilitate access to the Canadian Spatial Reference System (CSRS). CSRS provides a reference framework for accurate positioning across Canada and along our coasts. Accurate Global Positioning System (GPS) tools enable positioning within the CSRS/NAD83 reference frame and will soon enable determination of heights in a future national vertical datum to replace the CGVD28. The proposed datum modernization will enable access to mean-sea-level heights via satellite positioning anywhere in Canada including offshore.

The modernization process will have a significant impact on clients and stakeholders in the public and private sector, as well as academia. The project will lead a national effort to inform, educate, consult, and involve these groups in this process and allow the enhancement of the geoid model, which will be the future vertical datum for Canada, by a series of field activities.

The reference frameworks have application in areas including, land tenure, mine claims, topographic mapping, land use monitoring, pipeline planning, navigation, engineering and satellite image control. The complex requirements of sustainable development highlight the need for a solid foundation of basic geospatial information, such as the CSRS.

Project Priorities:

• To co-ordinate of the development of a business plan for modernization of the national vertical datum on behalf of Canadian Council on Geomatics (CCOG). Proceed with modernization once a business plan has been developed.
• To co-ordinate vertical datum stakeholder consultation with regard to costs, technical issues and implementation.
• To contribute expertise and support to academic institutions as part of the GEOIDE NCE projects related to height modernization.
• To conduct terrestrial and airborne gravity surveys for the enhancement of the geoid model; and finalize the processing of gravity surveys in backlog.
• To conduct GPS surveys on benchmarks for the validation of the geoid model in Canada

For more information, please contact the project leader: Marc Véronneau