NOAA Airport Obstruction Surveys

During a multi-year contract, GRW assisted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Geodetic Survey (NGS), providing geospatial data to ensure that pilots utilizing instrument approaches in dark conditions or inclement weather, have access to vital information.



GRW acquired aerial photography for the utilization of obstruction surveys at over 500 airports, in all 48 contiguous states. The data is critical in identifying and geospatially locating manmade and natural objects around the airport.



With thousands of flights each day, the safety of our nation’s airports is a crucial factor. Objects such as buildings, towers or trees, that impede upon a three dimensional defined area surrounding the airport and approach path, are termed airport obstructions.