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What is 3DEP?

By 3D Elevation Program

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - New Mexico

3D Lidar Point Cloud Rendering

White Sands National Park - New Mexico

3D Lidar Point Cloud Rendering

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness - New Mexico

3D Lidar Point Cloud Rendering

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument - New Mexico

3D Lidar Point Cloud Rendering

Very Large Array - New Mexico

3D Lidar Point Cloud Rendering

Reservoir near Millsite State Park - Utah

3D Lidar Point Cloud Rendering

Flood simulation near the confluence of the Rio Jemez and Rio Grande Rivers north of Albuquerque

3D Lidar Point Cloud Rendering

3DEP informs critical decisions that are made across our Nation every day that depend on elevation data, ranging from immediate safety of life, property, and environment to long term planning for infrastructure projects.

Learn about 3DEP Data Acquisition Investments & Expenditures

3DEP is truly a community effort, the partners that fund acquisition, the vibrant lidar industry and private sector mapping firms that collect data, and an innovative user base.

The 3D Elevation Program is managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program to respond to growing needs for high-quality topographic data and for a wide range of other three-dimensional (3D) representations of the Nation's natural and constructed features. 3DEP informs critical decisions that are made across our Nation every day that depend on elevation data, ranging from immediate safety of life, property, and environment to long term planning for infrastructure projects.

3DEP is based on the results of the National Enhanced Elevation Assessment (NEEA) that was funded by National Digital Elevation Program (NDEP) agencies and completed in 2012. The study, led by the USGS, identified more than 600 requirements for enhanced (3D) elevation data to address mission-critical information requirements of 34 Federal agencies, all 50 States, and a sample of private sector companies and Tribal and local governments. 

3DEP Lidar and IfSAR technology used to create DEM, DSM, Lidar point cloud images
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
USGS Four Images created with 3DEP-quality lidar and IfSAR technology. Left to right, clockwise: Digital Elevation Model of the Red River near Fargo, ND; IfSAR Digital Surface Model; Lidar point cloud image of Dulles Airport, VA; Lidar point cloud image of the transportation network in Denver, CO.

The first full year of 3DEP production began in 2016 and at the end of fiscal year 2023, 94.7% of the Nation has available or in progress elevation data that meet 3DEP specifications for high accuracy and resolution. We must also continue to look forward to the challenges of completing nationwide coverage and meeting growing needs for higher quality data, repeat coverage, and new products and services.

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  • Publications

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