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General Bulletin GB 2003-30

August 21, 2003

EUB SPATIAL DATA CONVERSION TO NAD83

This bulletin is to inform the industry that the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) will commence conversion of EUB spatial data to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) from the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27). This conversion is scheduled for completion in early September 2003.

BACKGROUND

In 1990 the federal government announced the adoption of the NAD83 survey reference system for Canada Lands. NAD83 replaces NAD27 and is intended to eliminate the errors and distortions in the latter, as well as take advantage of improved satellite-based surveying technology, such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The implementation of NAD83 in Canada is the responsibility of the provinces. The Alberta provincial government and much of industry have converted to NAD83.

EUB POSITION

As previously communicated to industry, the EUB is currently preparing to implement a process and system to support the electronic submission of applications. The Electronic Application Submission (EAS) system, scheduled for implementation by October 1, 2003, requires latitude and longitude with certain application submissions.

In order to maintain a single North American datum survey reference for EUB systems and to align with other provincial regulatory bodies and the overall direction of the Alberta provincial government, the EUB decided to convert its spatial data from NAD27 to NAD83. Some members of industry were advised of this decision during EAS focus group sessions. The National Transformation Version 2 (NTV2) will be used for all NAD27 to NAD83 transformations.

EUB Data Sales Tapes will be available in both NAD27 and NAD83 versions for a period of six months after the completion of the conversion. September 2003 Data Sales Tapes will be provided to customers in both NAD27 and NAD83 datum. Thereafter, customers will have to opt for one version for the next six months. Before October 10, 2003, customers should notify EUB Information Services (403-297-8190; eub.info_services@eub.gov.ab.ca) which version they prefer. After March 2004, spatial data released by EUB will only be provided in the NAD83 version.

Data sets sold by EUB affected by this change are

• General Well Data File
• Drilling Well Data File
• Pipeline Graphics File
• Coal Hole Data File

Please direct any questions you may have to Al Chare, Manager of Information Collection and Dissemination, at (403) 297-2429.

[Original signed by]

Forrest Kvemshagen
Chief Information Officer