Establish a Montana coordinate system for property
If enacted, SB 398 will significantly impact how property surveys are conducted and recorded in Montana. The bill aims to elevate the standard of geospatial accuracy, thereby enhancing the reliability of boundary determinations. Furthermore, it provides a structured approach to transitioning from the NAD 83 to the newly adopted coordinate system, which is expected to facilitate better interoperability and standardization among surveying professionals and agencies. Adherence to the new coordinate systems is projected to have long-term benefits for land use planning and development across the state.
Senate Bill 398, introduced by Senator B. Gillespie, revises laws related to coordinate systems within Montana. The primary change mandated by this legislation is that the Montana coordinate system NAD 83 will not be used for defining land boundaries in any publicly recorded instrument after one year from the adoption of the Montana Plane Coordinate System (MTPCS) by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS). The MTPCS is established as the standard reference system to be used for all relevant surveying and boundary determination activities within the state. This change is intended to streamline geospatial data collection and improve accuracy in land surveying practices throughout Montana.
While the overall response to SB 398 appears positive among surveying professionals who anticipate the benefits of a modernized coordinate system, there have been concerns about the logistical challenges of transitioning away from existing practices that utilize NAD 83. Some stakeholders express worries about costs associated with retraining personnel, updating maps and records, and the complexity of implementing the new system across various jurisdictions. However, proponents argue that the long-term benefits of improved accuracy and reduced ambiguity in land boundaries justify these initial challenges.
Key points of contention arise from the transitional period wherein the old and new systems may coexist. Critics may fear potential complications in property disputes during the transition. Moreover, some are concerned about ensuring adequate training for surveyors and landowners in adapting to the new MTPCS. These discussions underscore the essential balance between maintaining timely, accurate land records and minimizing disruptions that changes in established systems can bring.