Wisconsin Height Modernization Program
on the HMP contact:
Geodetic Survey Unit Supervisor
WI Dept. of Transportation
HMP Project Manager
WI Dept. of Transportation
Geodetic Engineer
WI Dept. of Transportation
WI State Advisor
National Geodetic Survey
HMP Program Manager
National Geodetic Survey
To improve the density of geodetic control stations listed in the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) with accurate orthometric heights (elevations), the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), in cooperation with the National Geodetic Survey (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 2014.
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.
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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.
Phases 1 through 6A 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.
The field observations have been completed for leveling, GPS primary, and GPS secondary and local surveys for Phases 6B and 7A-W in the west central part of Wisconsin. The geodetic control station data are expected to be available in 2009.
Monuments have been constructed with witness/guard posts installed in Phase 7A-E, in the north central portion of the state. The GPS primary survey for this Phase is underway with leveling and GPS secondary and local surveys planned for the summer of 2009. The geodetic control station data are expected to become available in early 2010. In Phase 7B, just north of Phase 7A, the monumentation has been completed along with the installation of witness/guard posts. Leveling and GPS surveys are planned for 2010. In Phase 7C, mark recoveries along with bench mark reconnaissance have been completed. Monumentation is scheduled in 2010 or 2011.
For Phase 8A, east central portion of the state, the field observations have been completed for leveling, GPS primary, and GPS secondary and local surveys. The geodetic control station data are expected to be available in early 2010. For Phase 8, northeast portion of the state, the reconnaissance of existing bench marks has been completed. The timeline for reconnaissance and monumentation has yet to be determined.
The Wisconsin Continuously Operating Reference Stations (WISCORS) network is now operational in the eastern portion of the state. In May 2009, 10 additional CORS sites in Zone 2 came online to join the 25 CORS sites in WISCORS Zone 1. Another 10 CORS sites will be constructed in Zone 3 (just west of Zones 1 and 2) during summer/fall of 2009 and will be operational by the end of 2009. For more information, go to the WISCORS website at https://wiscors.wi.gov.
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| (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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