Episode 9 - Lynda Bell from NOAA/NGS on datums, the National Spatial Reference Frame, and the PLSS

In this episode, we talk to Lynda Bell, who is the Southwest Regional Geodetic Advisor for NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey. She is the geodetic advisor for Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. 

In the episode, she explains why the National Spatial Reference Frame (NSRS) is so important and how it is a framework that ties all of our geospatial data together. She also reminds us of what a datum is and what we need to know about the new datums that are coming in 2023. She also explains the GPS on BenchMark program and how you can contribute. We then ask her about her recent visit to Utah and the importance of the PLSS monument preservation at Temple Square and also the USGS/UGRC Great Salt Lake Causeway project - a project measuring water levels and height.

You can email Lynda directly with questions at lynda.bell@noaa.gov

Links

More info from NOAA on Datums
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/datum.html

NOAA's National Geodetic Survey webpage
https://geodesy.noaa.gov/

The GPS on BenchMarks Program
https://geodesy.noaa.gov/GPSonBM/

Jack And Bore: A Key Component to Preserving the Salt Lake Temple in an Earthquake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N273kjZN0I8

The recording of this episode took place on Jan 29, 2024.