“Guidelines for the Use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in Cadastral Surveys” and “Standards for Positional Accuracy for Cadastral Surveys Conducted Using GNSS”
April 1, 2020
In Reply Refer To:
9600 (350) P
EMS TRANSMISSION 04/02/2020
Permanent Instruction Memorandum No. 2020-004
To: All Field Office Officials
Attn: State Office Chief Cadastral Surveyors
From: Assistant Director, Energy, Minerals, and Realty Management
Subject: “Guidelines for the Use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in Cadastral Surveys” and “Standards for Positional Accuracy for Cadastral Surveys Conducted Using GNSS”
Program Area: Cadastral Survey
Purpose: The guidelines and standards issued under this Permanent Instruction Memorandum (PIM) direct Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cadastral survey field measurements using satellite measurement technologies.
Policy/Action: All cadastral survey that use GNSS measurement technology must follow the guidelines included in Attachment 1, Guidelines for the Use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in Cadastral Surveys (Guidelines).
All cadastral surveys performed using GNSS measurement technology must meet the standards in Attachment 2, Standards for Positional Accuracy for Cadastral Surveys Conducted Using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) (Standards).
Budget Impact: None.
Background: The BLM and the United States Forest Service (USFS) jointly developed the two documents issued under this PIM. The Standards and Guidelines are based on procedures and techniques that have been developed within the agencies. The USFS will issue the same policy under their policy system. Other sources consulted during the development of these standards include the National Geodetic Survey, existing Global Positioning System (GPS) control survey standards and guidelines, and opinions and reviews from other public and private land surveyors who use GNSS for cadastral (boundary) surveys.
These Standards and Guidelines are designed to be easily amended and updated as appropriate with the changes in surveying and satellite measurement technology. Consistent Standards and Guidelines are extremely important to ensure the use of GPS technology for cadastral surveys of the public and Indian lands, and support efforts by Federal, state, and local agencies, and the private sector, to develop a fully integrated mapping and land records system.
Pages of Manual/ Handbook Sections Affected: None
Instruction Memorandums Affected: IMs superseded are 2010-094 and 2001-186.
Coordination: This policy and guidance was coordinated with the BLM Chief Cadastral Surveyor from each State Office and the United States Forest Service Chief Surveyor in consultation with BLM’s Division of Lands, Realty and Cadastral Survey (WO-350).
Contact: If you have any questions concerning the content of this PIM, please contact Dominica Van Koten at (202)-912-7353.
Signed by: Authenticated by:
Nicholas E. Douglas Robert M. Williams
Assistant Director Division of Regulatory Affairs,WO-630
Energy, Minerals, and Realty Management
2 Attachments
- Guidelines for the Use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in Cadastral Surveys (18 pp)
- Standards for Positional Accuracy for Cadastral Surveys Conducted Using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) (5 pp)