All Topics| Geomatics Reference Network - [GRN]

Can't find a way to sign up

Sarah — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 20:19:39 +0000

Hey trying to sign up for this service and the join button isn't working.

Thanks,

Sarah Wicker

How do you use the measure tool?

Jacob Pierce — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 20:38:46 +0000

To use the measure tool, click the icon in the top right corner of the map screen under the "Find address or place" search bar. For distance between points click the line icon, for measuring areas click the polygon icon. Once you click the desired icon it will prompt you to "Start to measure by clicking in the map to place your first point". After clicking your first point choose the desired units you would like to measure in and always choose "geodesic" under mode. Once you click the last point of your line or polygon, double click, this will lock the line or polygon you have created to observe the measurement. When you are done using the tool click the same measure icon to terminate the measure feature.

What coordinate system is the parcel data in when downloaded in DXF format?

Jeff Lovett — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:38:38 +0000

After downloading the parcel data for a specific county for use in AutoCAD Civil 3D, how do you determine what coordinate system to use? There was no additional data included with the DXF files that were downloaded.

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

Why don't I see property corners in my area?

Jacob Pierce — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:52:49 +0000

Currently although there are thousands of property corners in southwest Alabama, there may not be data in your specific area yet. There could be hundreds of property corners added on a daily basis. You can make this happen by adding survey maps and survey points through the interface on the map page. It will very quickly form a spider web of data from one section to the other!

What type of device can access the GRN?

Jacob Pierce — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:06:53 +0000

Virtually any device with an internet browser (CHROME is the preferred browser, as there are known, unsupported issues with Firefox) can access the Geomatics Reference Network (GRN). Desktops, smartphones, tablets, data collectors, etc. Just make sure the operating system and browser are up to date in order to ensure the best service.

Where does the data come from?

Jacob Pierce — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:06:44 +0000

We search for (or build from scratch) the best geospatial data and provide this data to you as a robust service. We are relentlessly pursuing new data sets from many different sources, because only the best will do. The mission of the GRN™ is to provide you with a data-rich, user friendly platform which will assist you to do your job better, thus increasing productivity and efficiency.

We are constantly adding new map data and layers, while also enhancing existing data sets.

Let us know if there are available data sets which can be a part of the GRN™!

Who can access the GRN?

Jacob Pierce — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:06:23 +0000

The GRN™ is primarily intended to serve the professional geomatics (surveying) and engineering community, and not accessible to the general public. Ideal GRN™ subscribers may be licensed professional land surveyors or licensed professional engineers, along with their direct employees or associates, who deal with land, property, and right of way information on a continual basis. Although, at this time, there is no definitive methodology for determining exactly who or what entity may qualify as a subscriber, the GRN™ reserves the right to determine a more defined range of subscribers as the resource is developed, and assure you we take data, user, and resource integrity very seriously.

Upon registration, all applicants are screened based on the information provided in their profile. This resource is built by Professional Land Surveyors, for Professional Land Surveyors.

CHROME is the preferred browser, as there are known, unsupported issues with Firefox.

Read the terms and conditions of use for more information.

Can I contribute a very large point data set to the GRN?

Jacob Pierce — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:06:14 +0000

Absolutely! The GRN™ loves big data sets. We can work with you to help accommodate your needs. Just log a support ticket, give us a call, or email us at support@georefnet.com so we may assist.

New User Quick Start Guide Tips and Tricks

Jacob Pierce — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 21:22:14 +0000

Hello, and welcome to the Geomatics Reference Network (GRN)!

Here are a few items to consider as you get started:

1. CHROME IS THE PREFERRED INTERNET BROWSER, as there are known, unsupported issues with Firefox.

2. When loading "Survey Points" or "Survey Maps" name the uploaded file a very familiar name such as an address OR project number/name, so it will be very familiar to you should you need to review or edit the data in the future. For example, "123 Easy Street, Geomaticsville, AL" OR "592-JoeSmith40acreFarm". This will assist greatly when attempting to find the data again.

3. Searching by address works the best for finding and zooming to new locations, and then panning within the Section from there.

4. Please see the "How to contribute survey points" and "How to contribute survey maps" knowledge base articles to find out more about contributing data.

5. Make sure you complete and update your User Account as necessary.

6. Be sure to post your personal knowledge or story line about a specific corner monument under the "Contributor Commentary" section. This is intended to provide additional background information related to the history or testimony about the corner monument itself.

7. The GRN is a 'What you see is what you get' interface. Therefore, if it visible, then the data should be accessible. There are no other 'hidden' or 'not visible' data layers.

8. Data displayed in the GRN is sourced from DOZENS of different providers and MAY NOT BE SURVEY-GRADE! Please take this into account when viewing the data and determining location of relevant features. However, the GRN is already working with some data providers to correct any deficiencies as well. Your patience is appreciated!

Thanks for being a part of the GRN community!

Enjoying the GRN? Tell everyone about it!

Jacob Pierce — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 03:10:50 +0000

Share your love and appreciation of the Geomatics profession and the GRN by spreading the word. Thanks to you this is all possible!

Have a problem? Share it with us and we will try to solve it.....

Jacob Pierce — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 03:07:54 +0000

Looking for a solution to your problem? Chances are someone has experienced it in the past and we will help you resolve it.

Welcome to the Geomatics Reference Network! (click to read full content)

Jacob Pierce — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 20:35:41 +0000

The GRN currently has over 4,500 real-world located property corners and right of way monuments. We are going to watch this value grow exponentially! You can help. All you have to do is contribute a point file from a recent boundary survey or right of way project. The GRN is only interested in PROPERTY CORNERS, RIGHT OF WAY MONUMENTS, and BOUNDARY and/or RIGHT OF WAY SURVEY image files. Since this is a brand new resource, let's build it together! CHROME is the preferred browser, so check out all the resources in the Community Portal and browse the map for tons of great geomatics information. Remember, this resource was built BY SURVEYORS, FOR SURVEYORS. Let's make it the best it can be!

How do I contribute survey maps?

Jacob Pierce — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 15:04:41 +0000

Simply click the 'Add Survey Maps' in the table of contents on the map screen and fill out the information as required. Once complete, your information will become part of the data-driven Geomatics Reference Network™!

To add survey maps:

Click "Add Survey Maps"
Draw a polygon around the area the survey covers.
Double click at the last corner of the polygon.
The "Survey Info" will appear.
Select the survey date, who it was surveyed by, and a comment about the map.
Click save changes.
Add the desired file. (historic surveys, right-of-way surveys, boundary surveys, etc.)
The file will then upload (You may upload up to 5 files per polygon, after the fifth file the oldest will be deleted)

The video below shows a step-by-step demonstration for loading survey maps!

Please reference the Terms of Use for more information.

How many states does the GRN™ cover?

Jacob Pierce — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 02:57:34 +0000

The GRN™ covers the entire United States. Anyone across the nation can take advantage of the GRN™ and all of it's benefits. Points can be uploaded in decimal degrees (lat, long) in any state, as well as survey maps and documents. The GRN™ also has several nationwide datasets useful for everyone in the geospatial community, including townships, ranges, sections, NGS monuments, and CORS station locations. Currently Alabama is the only state that is capable of uploading NAD 83 State Plane coordinate points and the only state with a statewide parcel dataset in the GRN™, but we already preparing to expand these features across the nation in the near future!

Terms and Conditions of Use (yes, this is actually interesting content)

Jacob Pierce — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 02:54:49 +0000

Revised October 16, 2019

Disclaimer and Release of Liability

You have accessed the Geomatics Reference Network™ (GRN™). THIS SERVICE IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY AND IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL SURVEY NOR A PROFESSIONAL GEOMATICS SERVICES PRODUCT. The GRN takes network security and integrity seriously. You should too. This resource is NOT intended for the general public, and is intended for professionals only. The GRN monitors many aspects of the network and its subscribers, and vows to protect the overall security and integrity of the resource from misuse or other harmful actions.
This resource was developed from many sources and is subject to continuous updating. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. There is no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, of the content or accuracy of the information contained herein. Therefore, subscribers, other data providers, contributors, and the GRN™ shall not be responsible or held liable in any way for the accuracy, use, or completeness of the data or any of the information contained herein for any purpose whatsoever.
The GRN™ possesses no authority for parcel or real property boundaries and associated rights, and recommends procuring a professional geomatics service provider or qualified attorney for matters related to geomatics or legal issues.
All geospatial data and associated information contained within the GRN™ is intended for subscriber use only. Neither the GRN™, nor its subscribers, shall redistribute, share, or otherwise publicize the information contained herein with non-subscribing individuals, companies, regulatory agencies, governmental units, or any other organizations. Subscribers shall continually check these terms and conditions, as they are updated on a periodic basis.
Our core foundation is built upon one simple premise: We do not buy data, nor do we sell data. This data in this platform is compiled from contributions, so let’s make it better every day!

Terms, Conditions of Use, and Subscriber Obligations

1. The GRN™ is primarily intended to serve the professional geomatics (surveying), geospatial, and civil engineering community. Ideal GRN™ subscribers may be licensed professional land surveyors, GIS professionals, or licensed professional civil engineers, along with their direct employees or associates, whose professional practice or organization deals directly with land, right of way, and boundary information management on a continual basis. Although, at this time, there is no definitive methodology for determining exactly who or what entity may qualify as a subscriber, the GRN™ reserves the right to determine a more defined range of subscribers as the resource is developed.

2. To ensure data security, subscribers will have a username and password generated after the registration process has been completed. This information shall not be duplicated or redistributed to any other party.

3. In order to foster continual improvement and development of the GRN™ as a viable long-term resource for professionals, by professionals, it is strongly encouraged for subscribers to submit finalized and approved boundary and/or right of way survey documentation (field located survey points, maps, or both) for each newly completed boundary or ROW survey project to the GRN™, when applicable.

4. Contributions may include, but not limited to, any one or combination of the following:

a. Coordinate-based survey point data for monuments or property corners only. Just as outlined in the Standards of Practice for Surveying, physically recovered corners shall have the explicit, spelled out designations of “Found”, “Set”, “Reset”, “Obliterated”, or “Calculated” as the first word in the description of a monument or property corner,, with data formatting to reflect Point, Northing, Easting, Elevation, and Description (PNEZD). This will dramatically assist with data integration, search, querying and data management procedures. The GRN is only interested in compiling information related to physical monuments or property corners, as all other information shall be discarded.

b. pdf, jpg, tiff, etc., boundary survey document image files from modern or digitally scanned historical maps or plats.

c. photographs associated with features

d. other digital information to be determined

5. Contribution exemptions may include: projects involved in court cases, confidential information, or similar sensitive circumstances. Contributions will have subscriber information associated with each submission. For subscribers who do not submit contributions on a regular basis (time period, contribution quantity and frequency to be determined), a proper course of action shall be designated by the GRN™.

6. All data and information contributed by a subscriber will remain within the exclusive realm of the GRN™, regardless of subscription status, and cannot be retracted at any time by the contributor unless ominous circumstances or situations are proven to exist by said subscriber.

7. Furthermore, it will be MANDATORY for contributions of all coordinate-based survey point data be referenced to a known or published coordinate system and datum.

ACCEPTABLE spatial references for the GRN™ may be:

a. Decimal Degrees (Lat,Long) may be added nationwide.

b. NAD 83 State Plane Coordinates, with designated coordinate units ft. (Alabama only)

UNREFERENCED SPATIAL DATA MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED, unless special circumstances or consideration is warranted for the submittal process. Since the Network will have such a vast geographic and user footprint, data must be standardized to this common format.
Although coordinate-based survey point data contributions may be submitted with values represented to the nearest hundredth of a foot (0.00’), all values within the GRN™ will be displayed to the nearest whole foot (0’). This will assist the subscriber with identifying and locating features, but will not possess sufficient precisions for reproduction of point information contained therein for use in generating any new professional geomatics or engineering work product by other subscribers. Coordinate values will be displayed as X, Y values.
Time-based, duplicate or overlapping points will be displayed as a means of further documenting the same purported physical monument at a given location. Therefore, a subscriber may trace the visible and/or tabular history of the recovered monument based on the possibility of multiple contributions of the same physical monument over time by various subscribers.
The GRN does not desire to be, or ever become, an authority of any sort when dealing with discrepancies among contributions within The Network. Subscribers shall be responsible for resolutions to any and all issues related to conflicting content. Items to consider would be:

a. Discrepancies shall be first communicated and addressed by the involved parties to resolve the issue amongst professional practitioners.

b. Data integrity and security of the GRN™ is the primary goal, and therefore reserves the right to uphold this cannon by not comprising data security or integrity.

c. At no time shall information submitted or contributed by the subscriber to the GRN be considered or used as information to file a complaint or any other type of regulatory action with any other regulatory board which governs land surveying.

Remember, YOU are the NETWORK! Please let us know your thoughts on how to improve the GRN™, as we are committed to making this resource the best it can be.

How do I tie my points to state plane coordinates?

Jacob Pierce — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 21:28:19 +0000

There are several ways to tie your points to state plane coordinates, including GPS RTK or locating your nearest NGS monument. Deciding which one may depend on where you are surveying. For instance, if you do not have a Hotspot connection due to no cell signal, you will not be able to connect to the nearest CORS station. In this case you would need to locate the nearest NGS monument (You can find the locations of all NGS monuments and CORS stations in the GRN™ map viewer, along with full attributes and datasheet links!). Below are steps to assist those who may not be familiar with connecting to the CORS station for a RTK GPS Survey!

Select your configuration settings for your survey software in your data collector.
Add a new survey style and set the base and rover options to RTK. (You may need to contact your survey software provider to further assist on this step)
Turn on your rover, data collector, and cellular phone.
Make sure that Bluetooth on all devices are enabled and turned on.
Connect your data collector to your phone's Hotspot for an internet connection.
Create a new job, choose the RTK measure option that you created in the previous steps, and select "Measure Points". (This name may vary between different software)
Wait for the rover to connect and fill out the required information (antenna height, point number, etc.)
Now set up on your point and select measure!

How do I contribute survey points?

Jacob Pierce — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 14:38:04 +0000

It couldn't be easier....... Simply click the 'Add Survey Points' in the table of contents on the map screen and fill out the information as required. Once complete, your information will become part of the data-driven Geomatics Reference Network™!

To add survey points:

Click "Add Survey Points"
Click "I Agree" to the terms of use
Add an excel point file in "PNEZD" format. Note: In order for all fields to be automatically filled out, point files should be cleaned prior to loading with clear descriptions stating whether the monument is found, set, reset, obliterated, or calculated. (ONLY LOAD PROPERTY CORNERS, the GRN™ is NOT interested in edge of pavement, center line, structures, etc.) As stated in the Standards of Practice, "The monument descriptions shall state the size, material, and cap identification of the monument, as well as whether the monument was found or set."
The points will then load and the review points window will appear
Fill out the point set name, appropriate coordinate system for which the points are located, survey date, surveyed by, and check that all fields in the point table are complete.
Click save points.
The app will then zoom to the location of the points loaded.
If available, the user may then load images to each point by selecting the point and choosing the add file option.

The video below shows a step-by-step demonstration for loading survey points!

Please reference the Terms of Use for more information.

What data sets are available within the GRN™?

Matthew Burkett — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 02:56:29 +0000

Nationwide Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Township, Range, and Sections
Nationwide National Geodetic Control (NGS) Monuments
Parcel Data (All 67 Alabama counties)
Property Corner Monuments
Historical and modern survey maps (Boundary, ROW, etc.)
Other great datasets are coming soon!

What if I have a large volume of data to contribute?

Jacob Pierce — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 14:51:54 +0000

Not a problem! The GRN™ loves big data sets. We can work with you to help accommodate your needs. Just log a support ticket, give us a call, or email us at support@georefnet.com so we may assist.