The purpose of this web site is to be a central location for all information related to the Vertical Datum Program. The Vertical Datum Program is the name of the project that is managing SFWMD's transition from NGVD29 to NAVD88.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The goal of this program is to plan, coordinate and implement a migration of the District's vertical data from the current National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29) and other datums, to the current North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) through a controlled, well-communicated, technically sound, and properly managed process.
The objectives of this project are to establish a common spatial data framework for the District based on NAVD 88.The new data will be compatible with federal, state and local governmental agencies.
What is a Vertical Datum: A Vertical Datum defines a system for elevation comparisons. It is used for flood plain management, waterway navigation management, roadway design, agricultural management, and surveying in general. The SFWMD is currently in the process of converting from the use of the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29) to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88.) The NAVD88 datum is more accurate and will both reduce the ongoing costs for the District as well as offer more accuracy for managing water movement.
Information found here will be updated on a frequent basis, and there is a list of contacts here for you to call if you need more information.
Instead of relying on "mean sea level" to determine the elevation of a point, the District will utilize the sophisticated elevation reference system for the North American continent. Eventually, all countries in North America will use this same network of vertical reference points to support many diversified uses
Impacts on Florida
