Changes are coming next year that could cause GPS-mapped field lines and boundaries to slightly shift — even though nothing on the ground moves.

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) plans to update the reference systems, or “datums,” that GPS uses to determine latitude, longitude and elevation. The update is part of a nationwide effort to modernize how all GPS coordinates are calculated.

Two long-standing systems, NAD83 (for location) and NAVD88 (for elevation), will be replaced by NATRF2022 and NAPGD2022.


Map of earth...