Geodetic Program

Geodetic Mark Recovery Program

Geodetic marks are reference points established on the surface of the earth by local, state, and national agencies. Maintenance and preservation of these marks is of utmost importance to NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS).  Many geodetic marks are destroyed by construction, new roads, erosion, or for other causes.

There are two types of marks: horizontal reference and vertical reference.  Although the advances in GPS technology have made the horizontal reference marks less of a necessity in surveying, a GPS cannot measure elevations accuracy, so the vertical reference marks are still necessary for accurate surveying.  Normally, geodetic marks are round bronze discs, roughly 3 inches in diameter, firmly embedded in concrete, bedrock or on a long rod driven into the ground.

The objective of this geodetic mark recovery program is to locate and identify markers and report on their condition as Good, Poor, Not Found, or Destroyed.  This is a public service and, at the same time, an opportunity for Squadron members to get together for a fun off-the-water activity.