Course

Redefining Texas: NSRS Modernization

Time limit: 90 days
3 credits
Instructor: Amanda Jonas

$75 Enroll

Full course description

CONRAD BLUCHER INSTITUTE FOR SURVEYING AND SCIENCE

Redefining Texas

Modernization of the National Spatial Reference System

3
PDH CREDITS
4
MODULES
80%
PASSING SCORE
90
DAYS ACCESS
Online
SELF-PACED
 

Course Overview

The National Geodetic Survey is replacing the nation's reference frames and datums with modernized versions, including new terrestrial reference frames, a new geopotential vertical datum, and new state plane coordinate systems. It is the most significant change to the National Spatial Reference System in a generation, and every coordinate in Texas will shift as a result.

This course, developed with TSRC Director Amanda Jonas, walks Texas surveyors, engineers, and GIS professionals through what's changing and why. Across three modules we cover the historical context behind past datum shifts, the technical details of NATRF2022, NAPGD2022, and SPCS2022, and what the transition means for your day-to-day practice once Texas makes its adoption decision.

The Texas Spatial Reference Center (TSRC) is a legislatively mandated center housed at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi under the Conrad Blucher Institute. Established in 2007 under Texas Education Code Section 88.503, TSRC was granted authority in 2021 under Texas Natural Resources Code Section 21.0711 to define the official Texas Coordinate System. That means the decision to transition Texas to a new coordinate system is made by TSRC, not by NGS or any other federal agency.

Each module ends with a short knowledge check, and the course closes with a cumulative assessment tied to your CEU/PDH certificate. Videos featuring TSRC staff run throughout, so you hear directly from the people coordinating Texas's transition.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, you will be able to:

1 Describe the role of the Texas Spatial Reference Center and the legal authority that gives Texas, not the federal government, the decision to adopt a new coordinate system.

2 Explain the historical context behind past datum shifts and the foundational concepts of datums, tectonic plates, and reference frames.

3 Distinguish the technical components of the modernized NSRS, including NATRF2022, NAPGD2022, SPCS2022, grid versus ground coordinates, and updated tools such as OPUS, NCAT, and the Data Delivery System.

4 Identify practical steps to prepare your practice for the Texas transition and stay informed as timelines develop.

Module Breakdown

MODULE 1

Introduction and Foundations

  • Who TSRC is and the legal authority behind its work
  • Historical context behind past datum shifts
  • Foundational concepts: datums, tectonic plates, and reference frames

Assessment: Module 1 Knowledge Check | 80% to pass

MODULE 2

The Technical Changes

  • The blueprint for the modernized NSRS: NATRF2022 and NAPGD2022
  • Map projections and SPCS2022: grid vs. ground
  • Modernization of OPUS, NCAT, and the new Data Delivery System (DDS)

Assessment: Module 2 Knowledge Check | 80% to pass

MODULE 3

From Impact to Action

  • What the transition means for Texas surveyors
  • A deeper look at TSRC's role and current timelines
  • Practical steps to prepare and stay informed going forward

Assessment: Module 3 Knowledge Check | 80% to pass

COURSE COMPLETION

Final Assessment and Course Feedback

  • Cumulative assessment covering all three modules
  • Course Feedback survey
  • CEU/PDH certificate issued upon completion of all requirements

Assessment: Final Assessment | 80% to pass

Who This Course Is For

Target Audience

✓ Texas surveyors and survey technicians

✓ Engineers working with Texas coordinate data

✓ GIS and geospatial professionals

Technical Requirements

✓ High-speed internet connection

✓ Modern web browser, with no software installation required

✓ Audio capability for videos featuring TSRC staff

✓ Optional printer for supplementary materials

Please note: Successful completion of this course, including all knowledge checks, the Final Assessment, and the Course Feedback survey, awards [PDH] PDH credits ([CEU] CEU) applicable toward license renewal. Participants are responsible for verifying acceptance with their individual state licensing board. Course content is subject to updates at any time.

For registration assistance, contact Shelby Sharpe at shelby.sharpe@tamucc.edu.

A Conrad Blucher Institute Continuing Education Course ©