GPS Network - Coordinate System Modernization FY 2027

[chriswnek]

Benefit

This work will help Utah TURN better prepare for the upcoming NSRS modernization by giving the network an early, practical understanding of how station coordinates will behave in a NATRF2022 environment. Developing preliminary coordinates in advance allows us to evaluate station stability, identify problem sites or inconsistencies, test processing workflows, and better understand the impacts of time-dependent coordinates before the official rollout. It also gives TURN and its users a head start on planning for software, metadata, transformation, and communication needs, while reducing the risk of confusion or disruption when the new reference frame is formally adopted. Overall, this effort provides valuable readiness, improves confidence in the network, and helps ensure a smoother transition for both internal operations and end users.

Acceptance Criteria

• Process stations in ITRF2020
  Each TURN station is successfully processed and adjusted in ITRF2020 using approved GNSS data, stable control, and documented station metadata with results that meet internal quality review standards.
• Propagate coordinates to a common epoch
  Each accepted ITRF2020 station coordinate is propagated to the selected common epoch (2027.00) using HTDP or an equivalent approved method, with the resulting epoch clearly documented.
• Convert ITRF2020 to NATRF2022
  Each propagated ITRF2020 coordinate is successfully transformed to NATRF2022 at epoch 2027.00 using the best available approved transformation workflow.
• Publish preliminary NATRF2022 coordinates
  Each finalized station coordinate is stored and published with clear labeling as “Preliminary NATRF2022 Coordinates – Epoch 2027.00” along with supporting metadata and processing documentation.
• Retain supporting data and metadata
  All station processing files, coordinate outputs, source observations, reference stations, and station metadata are retained in a documented and accessible format for future review or reprocessing.

Notes

Risks

Issue Reference

• GPS Network - Migrate TurnGPS to Google Cloud #605
• GPS Network - Coordinate System Modernization #957