NOAA's national coordinate system overhaul could shift U.S. elevations and positions

The short version

• Scientific American reports NOAA researchers are nearly finished overhauling the National Spatial Reference System.[Scientific American]
• The updated framework remains in beta testing and is scheduled to be finalized in early 2027.[Scientific American]
• A NOAA geodesist says every latitude, longitude and height will change slightly, with shifts of up to about six feet possible.[Scientific American]
• Alaska's official heights may shrink by about six feet, while the Southeast sees the smallest elevation shift.[Scientific American]

Key facts

• NOAA researchers are nearly finished with a complete overhaul of the National Spatial Reference System.[Scientific American]
• The new framework is in beta testing and is scheduled to be finalized in early 2027.[Scientific American]
• The new models may alter official measurements by up to around six feet, reflecting ice melt and GPS and other technological advances.[Scientific American]
• Vertical changes come down, in large part, to gravity, based on 17 years of research airplane measurements.[Scientific American]
• Elevation above sea level shifts least in the Southeast, while official heights in Alaska may shrink by around six feet.[Scientific American]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Mountain heights across the country are about to change. Gravity is to blameScientific American metered