This bill aims to modernize and clarify the legal framework governing New Hampshire's coordinate systems used in land surveying and mapping. It formally adopts the most recent coordinate system released by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS), referred to as the "New Hampshire state plane coordinate system" (NHSPCS), and updates relevant terminology. Key insertions include the definition of NHSPCS in RSA 1-A:1, which aligns it with the latest NGS standards, and the establishment of restrictions on the use of older coordinate systems, specifically the "New Hampshire coordinate system of 1927" and "New Hampshire coordinate system of 1983." The bill specifies that these older systems should not be used for projects commenced after the NHSPCS has been released for public use.

Additionally, the bill modifies the application of coordinate systems in RSA 1-A:2, clarifying that the use of older terms is limited to their respective definitions. It also introduces new provisions regarding the recording of coordinates in RSA 1-A:5, requiring licensed land surveyors to provide a specific statement regarding the basis and method of determining coordinates for land boundaries. The bill repeals and reenacts RSA 1-A:5 to reflect these changes and adds a new section, RSA 1-A:6, which further restricts the use of the terms associated with the older coordinate systems. The act is set to take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-A:1, 1-A:2, 1-A:3, 1-A:4
SB560 text: 1-A:1, 1-A:2, 1-A:3, 1-A:4