Event
Event Details:
Date: September 10, 2025
Time: 1:30–2:30 PM ET
Online Presentation
Earn 1 PDH
FREE For All COPS Members
Are You Ready for 2025?
In 2025, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) and CO-OPS will release new, improved horizontal and vertical datums—the most significant update in decades to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).
These changes will fundamentally redefine positional and elevation data across the United States.
Why This Matters
The adoption of these new datums will impact nearly every engineering discipline:
- Civil Engineering:
Design elevations, drainage plans, and infrastructure modeling will need to be updated to reflect new reference surfaces. Incorrect transformations could result in costly rework or regulatory noncompliance. - Transportation Engineering:
Roadway alignments, bridge clearances, and right-of-way boundaries will be affected by shifts in horizontal and vertical coordinates. - Structural Engineering:
Site plans and foundation elevations will require precise adjustment to match updated datums, especially in coastal or subsiding regions. - Surveying and Mapping:
All legacy data tied to NAD83 and NAVD88 will need careful conversion to maintain continuity with the new standards. - Utilities and GIS Professionals:
Asset locations, service corridors, and GIS datasets must be reconciled to avoid misalignment across systems.
What You’ll Learn in This Session
- The rationale and technical background behind the 2025 datum updates.
- Expected impacts to coordinate and elevation data across the country.
- Demonstrations of transformation and conversion tools.
- Practical guidance on transitioning your workflows and communicating changes to stakeholders.
Featured Speaker
David Doyle
Former Chief Geodetic Surveyor, National Geodetic Survey (NGS)
David Doyle has over 40 years of experience in geodesy, coordinate systems, and datum modernization. He has played a leadership role in shaping national policies and educating professionals on geodetic standards.
His expertise will guide you through the technical, regulatory, and practical impacts of the 2025 datums—so you can prepare confidently.
Recent Updates on the 2025 Datum Transition
The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) and the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) have shared new milestones in the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System:
- Confirmed 2025 Launch: The release remains on schedule for 2025, with no further delays announced.
- New Reference Frames: Four new terrestrial reference frames (including NATRF2022) and a new geopotential datum (NAPGD2022) will replace NAD83 and NAVD88.
- Beta Transformation Tools Available: Updated versions of tools like VERTCON3 and the NOAA Coordinate Conversion and Transformation Tool (NCAT) are available in beta for testing estimated coordinate and elevation shifts.
- Final State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS2022) Zones: Most states now have finalized definitions for SPCS2022 zones. Many zones have been redefined, which could create noticeable changes for engineering projects.
- Recommended Early Adoption: NGS encourages agencies, surveyors, and engineering firms to start evaluating and planning for data integration, software updates, and workflow changes.
These changes represent the most significant updates to national coordinate systems in over 30 years—and they will impact nearly every discipline that relies on geospatial data.