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NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey is modernizing the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), the nation’s authoritative framework for defining position, to provide more accurate, consistent, and reliable latitude, longitude, height, and gravity information.
The National Spatial Reference System, or NSRS, serves as our nation’s foundational framework for all positioning, defining critical data such as latitude, longitude, and elevation. Though often operating behind the scenes, the NSRS provides the foundation for essential services—from transportation and agriculture to conservation and emergency response. Ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the NSRS is vital to the stability and success of our communities, businesses, and infrastructure.
Building on this foundation, NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is modernizing the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) to enhance the framework of observations and models that will deliver more accurate, precise, and reliable positioning data across the U.S. Updates and resources regarding the modernized NSRS will appear below.
To ensure a smooth transition to the modernized National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is reviewing its products and workflows. A key focus of this initiative is the Online Positioning User Service (OPUS).
As part of the transition to the modernized NSRS, NGS will no longer accept new data as of January 13, 2027. OPUS, along with existing programs like WinDesc and Translev, will remain available until the modernized NSRS is fully implemented. Users can still submit geodetic survey projects and should continue to collect and archive data under the current NSRS to process existing data and complete ongoing work. NGS will also continue to review and approve project proposals, accept and publish projects, and offer technical assistance and training. NGS may decline any project proposals that are unlikely to be completed and submitted prior to the January 13, 2027, deadline.
As the modernized NSRS requires updated products, NGS will also release a new version of OPUS for positioning static data, which will be known as OPUS 6. Similar to the current OPUS, these products will allow users to share solutions and contribute observations that are aligned with the modernized NSRS. In the meantime, users should also evaluate their own workflows and software to identify any dependencies related to the modernized NSRS and ask their geospatial hardware and software vendors about plans to support the modernized NSRS.
While this transition represents a significant operational change, NGS remains committed to minimizing service disruptions and keeping users informed along the way. For questions or feedback, please contact NGS at NGS.Feedback@noaa.gov.
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