The U.S. reference system modernization effort will replace the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) with a new North American Terrestrial Reference Frame (NATRF2022), creating 1.3 to 1.5 m horizontal coordinate differences at the Canada–U.S. border with respect to Canada’s NAD83(CSRS). Never before have such significant differences existed between our two countries’ reference frames.

There are compelling reasons for Canada to follow suit and adopt the NATRF2022 frame as our national standard. We also recognize that there are challenges in doing so for the geospatial community who could bear most of the costs to make this change.

This presentation will describe the reference frame changes and Canada’s options moving forward. Most importantly we want to hear from you, Canada’s geospatial community, about your preferences for how Canada will define its official geospatial reference frame in the future.