Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau completes a survey of the population of the nation. Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau recently completed the compilation and analysis of the 2000 decennial census data. From these data, they have computed the Center of Population for the United States, and the population centers of each state and the District of Columbia.
The National Geodetic Survey (NGS), in cooperation with the individual state professional surveying associations, the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM), the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), and the American Association for Geodetic Surveying (AAGS) have encouraged the setting of a commemorative geodetic control monument at or near the computed location of each states' population center (hereafter referred to as the "Center Station") as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau. This event provides an opportunity to showcase improvements in GPS technology, the adaptation of that technology by surveyors, and the ability to develop cooperative initiatives between the private sector, Federal, state and local surveying and mapping professionals.
The geodetic coordinates as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau, for the Center Station of New York are:
Latitiude 41-30-27.2 North
Longitude74- 38-42.8 West
The Center Station falls in a heavily wooded valley along the Neversink River on private property. See map below.
NEW YORK 2000 CENTER of POPULATION
NGS Site selection requirements
The site selection should conform to the following criteria as much as possible
1. As close to the computed coordinate as possible
2. A "GPS-able" site (e.g., clear of obstructions 15° above the horizon)
3. Located on a publicly accessible site (e.g., town park, road right of way, etc.)
The actual site failed 2 of the 3 criteria, the closest suitable site was chosen at the Delaware and Hudson Canal Park a historical Orange County Park and home to the Neversink Valley Area Museum. See map below.
Setting the Center Station Monument
The Delware-Hudson Land Surveyors Association (DHLSA) in cooperation with the New York State Association of Land Surveyors (NYSAPLS) set a 10" brass disk and a bronze plaque describing the Center Station. To see the powerpoint picture slideshow of the monument being set please use this link MonSet71302
The relationship between the actual Center Station site and the set Center Station site is about 4 miles and illustrated in the map below.
The monument was placed and is currently being accurately surveyed for it's position utilizing GPS (Geographic Positioning System) techniques. Techniques that use state of the art technology and satellites orbiting in space.