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NGS Marks 40 Years of Crowdsourced Data Collection

Friday, February 28, 2020

NGS is celebrating 40 years as a pioneer in the field of crowdsourced data collection. In 1980, NGS published the first NGS Bluebook, establishing procedures for the public to send geodetic survey data to NGS for quality assurance inspection and analysis. Today, all it takes is a smartphone to submit updates to NGS records with new photos and upgraded directions, maps, and mark descriptions. As part of a 21st-century approach to crowdsourcing, a more user-friendly, streamlined, and efficient data ingestion program, called the Online Positioning User Service, provides access to NGS's robust analysis and review workflows. In addition, the GPS on Bench Marks program uses online maps and progress dashboards to facilitate gathering and applying geodetic data for the benefit of the nation.

For more information, contact: Galen Scott