APLS - Arizona Professional Land Surveyors

Legislative Alert - SB 1756

Update: Unfortunately this bill did not make it to committee and will not be heard this year.

APLS has successfully introduced SB 1756 to address the upcoming datum changes.

Special thanks to Brian Fisher, Jack Avis, and the rest of the APLS Geospatial Committee for drafting the language and working with other stakeholders. Thank you to Doug Schneider, APLS Legislative Chair and President Jody Stone for securing a sponsor for the bill.

The bill can be viewed at: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85424

Title 33 – Technical Update

Why it Matters

Arizona law still references mapping standards from 1983. Without an update, our statutes will soon be out of step with the national system used for infrastructure, water resources, and property boundaries.

What is a Datum?

A datum is a common reference point for maps and elevations. It ensures that engineers, land surveyors, and agencies all “speak the same language” when designing roads, planning flood protection, or defining property lines.

What’s Changing – NGS New Datum in 2026

Current datums are aging, based on physical markers that are deteriorating.

New datums will provide more accurate and accessible data, using GPS technology.

The National Geodetic Survey is implementing the new system in 2026.

Stakeholder Support

Arizona Professional Land Surveyors (APLS) has worked closely with Arizona Geographic Information Counsel (AGIC) to develop the technical edits to Title 33 to address the new datum.
Other notable stakeholders that have expressed support for this legislation update include Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Water Resources, Salt River Project, and Arizona State Land Department (through AGIC).

Fiscal Impact

There will be no cost to agencies or citizens, and the historical systems remain valid.

The Bottom Line

Updating ARS Title 33 ensures Arizona law keeps pace with national standards and supports accurate, modern infrastructure, water, and land management.