Wisconsin Height Modernization Program

For additional information on the HMP contact:

Nathan Czech, HMP Geodetic Survey Unit Supervisor, WI Dept. of Transportation

Paul Hartzheim, HMP Geodetic Survey Supervisor, WI Dept. of Transportation

Glen Schaefer, Geodetic Engineer, WI Dept. of Transportation

John Ellingson, WI State Advisor, NGS

Renee Shields, HMP Program, National Geodetic Survey

or visit: http://matcmadison.edu /civiltech/HtMod/Default.htm

To improve the density of benchmarks listed in the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) with accurate orthometric heights (elevations), the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), in cooperation with the NGS, initiated a program in 1998 to improve height data throughout the State.

Depending on funding availability, the Wisconsin Height Modernization Program (WI-HMP) is scheduled for completion by 2011.

The process used by the WisDOT is to divide the state into geographic regions (phases), based on an area that can be completed each year (see graphic below). The region boundaries depend on both topography and pre-existing NGS level lines (a series of bench marks for which elevation has been established). Work in each region extends over four years, with recovery of existing monuments and planning in year one, monumentation in year two, GPS and leveling field observations in year three, and the analysis and adjustment of data for submission to NGS for insertion into the NSRS in year four.

Current Status
WisDOT is currently using contractors and consultants for much of the work involved in the WI-HMP, including building monuments and acquiring GPS and leveling data.

Regions 1 through 5 of the WI-HMP have been completed with mark maintenance as an ongoing activity. Data for these stations can be retrieved from our online application, ControlFinder, or from the NGS web site.

Region 6A and 6B, in the west central part of the state contains over 10,835 square miles and involves all or part of 20 counties. The GPS and leveling was completed in January 2007 for region 6A and 6B was completed in November 2007. Data is expected to be published in 2008.

Region 7, in the northwest corner of the state, contains over 12,654 square miles and involves all or part of 14 counties. Currently Region 7 is being addressed in three parts, 7A, 7B, and 7C, due to limited resources. Region 7A and 7B had monuments installed in 2005. Region 7A has GPS and geodetic leveling planned for 2008 with data expected to be published in 2009. The GPS and geodetic leveling for Region 7B is yet to be determined. For Region 7C, the NGS bench mark recoveries have been completed along with bench mark reconnaissance. However, monumentation is yet to be determined.

For Region 8A and 8B, the reconnaissance was completed in Region 8A with CORS installation on-going and planned to continue into early 2008. Bench mark monuments and witness post installation is planned for Spring 2008 with primary GPS survey and geodetic leveling also planned for 2008. For Region 8B, the NGS bench mark recoveries have been completed with planning and reconnaissance continuing.

(Occupying WI-HMP station Rock, using GPS. Image courtesy WIDOT.)

Maintenance
Height modernization program monuments are established by WIDOT throughout the state for use as survey control on transportation improvement projects. These monuments are also being used by local surveyors to establish horizontal and/or vertical control for private survey work.

Whenever it becomes necessary to destroy, remove, cover up, or surround a height modernization program monument in such a way that will make the monument inaccessible for use, the person or agency should contact the WIDOT Central Office Surveying and Mapping Section at 1-866-568-2852.

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