The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is accelerating the future of national mapping with the 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM) – a transformative effort that modernizes, aligns, and integrates the Nation’s elevation and hydrography data to meet the evolving needs of science, government, industry, and communities. The 3DNTM is designed to deliver high-resolution, high-quality topographic data that supports critical decision-making across sectors. 

As part of this effort, the 3DNTM Data Collaboration Announcement (DCA) invites public and private partners to collaborate on the collection of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) lidar data and 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) surface water data. In its second annual cycle, the USGS selected 26 projects across 14 states for partnership through the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) 3DNTM DCA. These projects will contribute over 79,000 square miles of public domain lidar point cloud data to 3DEP holdings and over 52,000 square miles of terrestrial hydrography data to the 3DHP data holdings. The FY25 3DNTM DCA, released in August 2024, remained open for applications through June 2025. Selections for the ongoing FY26 3DNTM DCA cycle are expected to be announced in 2026. 

“We’re excited to see such strong engagement in the 3DNTM Data Collaboration Announcement reflected in both the volume and overall quality of projects submitted,” said Dr. Michael Tischler, Acting Associate Director for the USGS Core Science Systems Mission Area. “This process highlights the power of government partnerships across Federal, State, and local agencies to deliver reliable, high-resolution mapping data that benefits communities and industries nationwide.” 

 Current and accurate 3D elevation and hydrography data are essential for: 

• Flood-risk management
• Critical minerals and energy exploration
• Precision agriculture
• Infrastructure development
• Community resilience to natural hazards such as floods and landslides 

Funding for the FY25 3DNTM DCA was provided by the USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Production and Conservation Business Center. The FY25 3DEP projects are supported in part by funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. The USGS continues to lead the planning and acquisition of 3DEP and 3DHP data through government contracts and partnership agreements, ensuring that the nation’s topographic data infrastructure remains robust, responsive, and ready for the future through the 3DNTM. 

More information about 3DNTM, including 3DEP and 3DHP, as well as selected DCA 3DEP and 3DHP projects, and updates on current and future partnership opportunities, is available at 3DNTM.

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