Your essential guide to the NSRS and CSRS modernization

• There are upcoming spatial reference system modernizations for The United States (NSRS) and Canada (CSRS). The US modernization is led by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS), while the Canadian modernization is led by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). These updated horizontal and vertical datums will replace the current NAD 83 (North American Datum of 1983) and NAVD 88 (North American Vertical Datum of 1988). This will impact Trimble solutions by requiring software and potentially firmware updates to support the new datums and geoid models, ensuring continued accuracy and compatibility with federal and state surveying standards.

• There will be meter-level differences in coordinates between the legacy datums and the modernized datums. Up to date Trimble solutions will have many support options for managing a transition between the datums.

• The NGS has indicated that we’ve entered a transition period, where companies and agencies have been given time to implement the datum changes through the beta version. The official adoption of the modernized NSRS is anticipated to occur towards the end of 2026, at which point the beta version becomes the official released version. Trimble will provide specific dates and timelines for product updates as they become available, aligned with the NGS rollout.

• NRCan plans to adopt NATRF2022 in parallel with the U.S. in 2026.

Trimble is actively working to ensure compatibility, with development teams collaborating with NGS and NRCan, monitoring their progress to integrate the necessary changes into software and, where applicable, firmware. Our goal is to provide seamless transitions. Users will likely require software updates for their Trimble office and field software (e.g., Trimble Business Center, Trimble Access) to support the new datums and geoid models. Depending on the specific hardware, some firmware updates might also be necessary. Trimble will provide detailed upgrade paths and instructions.

• Horizontal datums: North America (NATRF2022), Pacific (PATRF2022), Caribbean (CATRF2022), Mariana (MATRF2022)

• Geoid model: Geoid2022 will be adopted by both the US and Canada

• Vertical datum: NAPGD2022 & CGVD2013 v1

• VRS Now will be updated to provide new and distinct mountpoints differentiating between the modernized NSRS / CSRS and the current datums (i.e. NAD83(2011), NAD83-CSRS).

• RTX positions will continue to be derived in the observed epoch of ITRF. Trimble software will automatically transform positions to the datum chosen by the user.

If you determine that you’ll need to use the modernized NSRS or CSRS, there are essentially 3 recommendations in order of robustness. The more robust solutions will also require the most effort.

1. Re-survey your coordinates: physically go out and collect positions using the new reference frames

2. Re-adjust your coordinates: re-process your existing data with updated coordinates for your control points

3. Transform: use transformation tools to transform the coordinates from the legacy system to the new system

• The modernizations are designed to improve the accuracy and consistency of spatial data across the US and Canada, particularly for vertical control. For Trimble GNSS users, this means that once systems are updated to utilize the new datums and geoid models, measurements will align with the modernized national standard, potentially leading to more consistent and reliable results, especially in areas with significant geoid model discrepancies under the current system.

• GNSS users will need to ensure that they are operating in consistent coordinate systems. There will be an immediately noticeable meter-level difference between the modernized and the legacy systems.

Trimble is committed to supporting its customers and resellers through this transition. We plan to offer a variety of training resources, including webinars, documentation, technical notes, and potentially dedicated training modules or courses, to help users understand the changes and effectively utilize Trimble solutions.

While the primary focus will be on updating existing products for compatibility, Trimble continuously innovates. Any new products or services will be developed with full consideration of the modernization to provide the best possible solutions for our users.

Trimble's technical support teams will be prepared to assist customers with any questions or issues related to the transition to the modernized reference frames. End-users are encouraged to contact their local resellers, who are in the best position to assist with guidance and support.