The Aeronautical Survey Program is part of the Ocean Service

This is an airport in Richmond, Va., shot from a mounted camera on a NOAA aircraft.

You may be surprised to learn that the National Ocean Service is responsible for surveying in support of the nation's airports and airspace.

NOAA has played a role in our nation's aviation industry since the early 1900s. Today, the National Geodetic Survey (part of NOS) administers the Aeronautical Survey Program. This program provides highly accurate position, height, and orientation information needed for safe air navigation.

NGS has been performing aeronautical surveys since the 1920s. These surveys provide critical information about airport features and about obstructions and aids to navigation. The Federal Aviation Administration uses this information to establish airport approach and departure procedures, determine maximum takeoff weights, update aeronautical publications, and conduct airport planning and construction studies.

For more information:

National Geodetic Survey (NGS)

NGS Aeronautical Survey Program

NGS Aeronautical Survey Program photo gallery (airports around the nation)

Are We Cleared To Land? The Wright Brothers Help NOAA Show The Way