Which federal agency is responsible for horizontal and vertical control in the United States?

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining the nation's horizontal and vertical control networks. This is crucial for various applications, including mapping, land surveying, and navigation. The NGS plays a pivotal role in defining the precise positions of points on the Earth's surface, which is essential for consistency in geodetic work and infrastructure development. They use a variety of advanced technologies, including GPS, to provide accurate positioning information that supports a wide range of activities across the country, helping professionals in surveying and related fields to ensure that their data is reliable and standardized.

The other agencies listed do not primarily focus on the establishment of control networks. The U.S. Geological Survey is mainly concerned with natural resources and hazards, while the Federal Aviation Administration primarily oversees air travel and aviation safety. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration deals with oceanic and atmospheric conditions rather than land surveying control networks. Thus, the role of the National Geodetic Survey is specifically tailored to the needs of geospatial data and land measurement.