Publications for Surveyors

ControlFinder (747 KB)

SCO has been the key point of contact for federal (USGS and NGS) control for over 30 years. In our continuing effort to make this information more accessible as a central point of access, we developed ControlFinder. Our newest version of Control Finder is built on a robust open-source software stack enabling better usability, integration of Google Maps API basemaps and a more standardized approach to application construction. (Published January 2014)

PLSSFinder (650 KB)

SCO has been involved in cataloging and reporting section corner remonumentation status since 1975 through various publications. In our continuing effort to make thisinformation more accessible as a central point of access, we developed PLSSFinder as a free, Internet-accessible catalog designed to help users locate current information about PLSS corners in Wisconsin. PLSS corner information accessible through this application comes directly from county contributors. Corner attribute information is retrievable from this application, while other attribute information is available via direct links to information maintained by the county on their Web site. (Published January 2014)

Understanding Elevation (2.02 Mb)

Primarily targeted at geospatial professionals who want want a better understanding of elevation terminology, this Infosheet describes the differences between ellipsoid heights and elevations (orthometric heights), and the implications of the National Geodetic Survey’s GRAV-D project. (Published February 2011)

Wisconsin Coordinate Reference Systems, Second Edition (4.59 Mb)

This handbook is a technical guide and resource for those who work with geospatial information in Wisconsin. It provides a brief overview of the history, evolution, and basics of Wisconsin’s coordinate reference systems, and compiles in one place the technical specifications for systems most commonly used in the state. (Originally published April 2009, minor editions January 2012)

NGS Pubs on Vertical Datums, Leveling and Geoids

This online listing includes computing GPS-derived orthometric heights, bench mark reset procedures, and various pubs pertaining to vertical datums, leveling and geoids.

NGS Pubs on Horizontal Reference System: Datums, Networks, Coordinate Systems

This online listing includes various pubs on coordinate systems, how to contribute geodetic data to the NSRS, networks, and datums.

Last updated: June 8, 2023