Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Project development

Functional groups

Geodetic Unit

Goal

Provide access to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), which ensures an accurate and consistent coordinate system for planning, design, and construction of MnDOT projects statewide. This is accomplished through the establishment and perpetuation of a passive control network, access to real-time GPS positioning through MnDOT’s MNCORS network, as well as online products and applications for the dissemination of current and historical survey control data.

Products the unit provides

  • High accuracy passive survey control
  • Real-time GPS positioning through the GNSS MNCORS network
    • The network is tailored for MnDOT use, but made available to the general public through a subscription service
  • Access to geodetic control data for the entire state available through online products and applications
    • The products and applications may be accessed and downloaded from the website link (on the bottom left of contacts box)

What to expect from the unit

  • Coordination with MnDOT district surveyors to provide passive survey control through the planning, execution, and adjustment of horizontal and vertical surveys of existing and new monumentation
    • Expect a 3-6 month turnaround time to perform reconnaissance, monumentation, horizontal/vertical field work, and final network adjustment
  • Continued maintenance and improvement of the existing passive control network as well as the MNCORS network
  • Continued access to current and historical survey coordinate data through online applications and products, as well as real-time positioning through the MNCORS network

What you need to provide to the unit

  • A request form at least 6 months in advance for passive control
  • Construction and right-of-way limits if available
  • Specific locations for new marks if necessary

What the unit expects from you

  • Please inform the Geodetic Unit of any changes to the status of passive control in your district
  • Let us know how we can improve our products and processes