FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1290

                                   C 54 L 89

BYRepresentatives K. Wilson and Beck

Establishing a new geographic coordinate system for Washington.

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Natural Resources is required to provide a reference system to identify and preserve survey points which in turn are used in surveying and map production. The reference system provided by the department is known as the Washington Coordinate System.

In 1945, Washington adopted, as the Washington Coordinate System, a federal reference system supported and maintained by the National Geodetic Survey.  This system is known as the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27).

Using NAD27, the Washington Coordinate System provides a common language for identifying location coordinates that are expressed in terms of an "x" value (an east-west direction) and a "y" value (a north-south direction).  The System requires that reference points be expressed in feet.  These values expressed in feet can then be entered into a computer data base and can be shared with anyone who chooses to use the coordinate system (the use of the Washington Coordinate System by mappers and surveyors in Washington is not mandatory).

A new reference system, known as NAD83, has been developed to reflect improved technology and accuracy.  The federal government is now using NAD83, and the National Geodetic Survey will continue to support and maintain this system.

As of January 1987, 20 states have adopted NAD83, with 11 other states preparing legislation which would require the adoption of NAD83.

SUMMARY:

Until July 1, 1990, persons choosing to use the Washington Coordinate System may use either NAD27 or its successor, NAD83.  Thereafter, persons choosing to use the System will be required to use NAD83.

Location coordinates used in the NAD83 system must be expressed in meters.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 93   0

      Senate    42     1

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989