This 3D model of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō's crater was created from thermal images during an overflight of the cone. The deepest portion of the crater is about 320 meters (1050 feet) below the crater floor that existed prior to April 30.
How accurate are elevations generated by the Elevation Point Query Service in The National Map?
The National Map’s Elevation Point Query Service (EPQS) returns elevations that are interpolated from the 3DEP dynamic elevation service. This is a web coverage service (WCS) that includes multiple resolutions of DEMs including 1 meter resolution lidar-based DEMs where available, and 1/3 arc-second seamless DEMs. The accuracy of the elevations returned by EPQS will vary according to the source data for each particular location. The overall accuracy of the elevation service currently has a RMSE (root mean square error) of 0.53 meters. These interpolated point elevations are not official and do not represent precisely measured ground surveyed values.
Elevations derived for a specific location using the Elevation Point Query Service might differ from monumented control elevation values that are published on USGS topographic maps or cited in National Geodetic Survey Marks and Datasheets. Differences between these elevations might exist for features such as mountain peaks or summits, and where the local relief is significant. For most purposes other than engineering, interpolated point elevation values are sufficiently accurate.
The Elevation Point Query Service, the Bulk Point Query Service, and the Spot Elevation widget within The National Map Viewer all query the same dataset and have the same accuracy.
Learn More: The accuracy and consistency of 3D Elevation Program data: A systematic analysis
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Why don't the elevations on your maps agree with those provided by my GPS system? Which are correct?
Elevations provided by your GPS receiver might disagree with elevations on a USGS map, but they could both be correct if they reference different vertical and/or horizontal datums. The default horizontal datum setting on most GPS receivers is the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84) and the elevations are based on the NAD83 ellipsoid. USGS topographic maps published after 2009 are georeferenced...
What is a digital elevation model (DEM)?
A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a representation of the bare ground (bare earth) topographic surface of the Earth excluding trees, buildings, and any other surface objects. DEMs are created from a variety of sources. USGS DEMs used to be derived primarily from topographic maps . Those are being systematically replaced with DEMs derived from high-resolution lidar and IfSAR (Alaska only) data...
This 3D model of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō's crater was created from thermal images during an overflight of the cone. The deepest portion of the crater is about 320 meters (1050 feet) below the crater floor that existed prior to April 30.
3D view of USGS_LPC_WY_GrandTetonElkRefuge_2014 data
3D view of USGS_LPC_WY_GrandTetonElkRefuge_2014 data
A USGS benchmark at the USGS National Center.
A USGS benchmark at the USGS National Center.
The National Elevation Dataset (NED) is the primary elevation data product produced and distributed by the USGS National 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). The NED provides seamless raster elevation data of the conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the island territories.
The National Elevation Dataset (NED) is the primary elevation data product produced and distributed by the USGS National 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). The NED provides seamless raster elevation data of the conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the island territories.
The National Map—New data delivery homepage, advanced viewer, lidar visualization
US Topo Product Standard
Coastal National Elevation Database
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Accuracy assessment of the U.S. Geological Survey National Elevation Dataset, and comparison with other large-area elevation datasets: SRTM and ASTER
Related Content
- FAQ
Why don't the elevations on your maps agree with those provided by my GPS system? Which are correct?
Elevations provided by your GPS receiver might disagree with elevations on a USGS map, but they could both be correct if they reference different vertical and/or horizontal datums. The default horizontal datum setting on most GPS receivers is the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84) and the elevations are based on the NAD83 ellipsoid. USGS topographic maps published after 2009 are georeferenced...
What is a digital elevation model (DEM)?
A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a representation of the bare ground (bare earth) topographic surface of the Earth excluding trees, buildings, and any other surface objects. DEMs are created from a variety of sources. USGS DEMs used to be derived primarily from topographic maps . Those are being systematically replaced with DEMs derived from high-resolution lidar and IfSAR (Alaska only) data...
- Multimedia
3D model of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō's crater
This 3D model of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō's crater was created from thermal images during an overflight of the cone. The deepest portion of the crater is about 320 meters (1050 feet) below the crater floor that existed prior to April 30.
This 3D model of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō's crater was created from thermal images during an overflight of the cone. The deepest portion of the crater is about 320 meters (1050 feet) below the crater floor that existed prior to April 30.
3D Rendering of part of Grand Tetons National Park3D Rendering of part of Grand Tetons National Park3D view of USGS_LPC_WY_GrandTetonElkRefuge_2014 data
3D view of USGS_LPC_WY_GrandTetonElkRefuge_2014 data
USGS National Center BenchmarkA USGS benchmark at the USGS National Center.
A USGS benchmark at the USGS National Center.
ElevationThe National Elevation Dataset (NED) is the primary elevation data product produced and distributed by the USGS National 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). The NED provides seamless raster elevation data of the conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the island territories.
The National Elevation Dataset (NED) is the primary elevation data product produced and distributed by the USGS National 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). The NED provides seamless raster elevation data of the conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the island territories.
- Publications
The National Map—New data delivery homepage, advanced viewer, lidar visualization
As one of the cornerstones of the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) National Geospatial Program, The National Map is a collaborative effort among the USGS and other Federal, State, and local partners to improve and deliver topographic information for the Nation. The National Map is featuring direct links to new and improved GIS data access utilities on a refreshed data delivery homepage at https://wAuthorsUS Topo Product Standard
This document defines a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) digital topographic map. This map product series, named “US Topo,” is modeled on the now historical USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic map series produced and printed by the USGS from 1947 to 2006. US Topo maps have the same extent, scale, and general layout as the historical topographic maps. US Topo maps incorporate an orthorectifieAuthorsLarry R. Davis, Kristin A. Fishburn, Helmut Lestinsky, Laurence R. Moore, Jennifer L. WalterCoastal National Elevation Database
The Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project develops enhanced topographic (land elevation) and bathymetric (water depth) datasets that serve as valuable resources for coastal hazards research (Danielson and others, 2016; Thatcher and others, 2016). These datasets are used widely for mapping inundation zones from riverine flood events, hurricanes, and sea-level rise and forAuthorsJeffrey J. Danielson, Sandra K. Poppenga, Dean J. Tyler, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Dean B. GeschThe National Map seamless digital elevation model specifications
This specification documents the requirements and standards used to produce the seamless elevation layers for The National Map of the United States. Seamless elevation data are available for the conterminous United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. territories, in three different resolutions—1/3-arc-second, 1-arc-second, and 2-arc-second. These specifications include requirements and standardsAuthorsChristy-Ann M. Archuleta, Eric W. Constance, Samantha T. Arundel, Amanda J. Lowe, Kimberly S. Mantey, Lori A. PhillipsUSGS lidar science strategy—Mapping the technology to the science
Summary The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) utilizes light detection and ranging (lidar) and enabling technologies to support many science research activities. Lidar-derived metrics and products have become a fundamental input to complex hydrologic and hydraulic models, flood inundation models, fault detection and geologic mapping, topographic and land-surface mapping, landslide and volcano hazardsAuthorsJason M. Stoker, John Brock, Christopher E. Soulard, Kernell G. Ries, Larry J. Sugarbaker, Wesley E. Newton, Patricia K. Haggerty, Kathy Lee, John A. YoungAccuracy assessment of the U.S. Geological Survey National Elevation Dataset, and comparison with other large-area elevation datasets: SRTM and ASTER
The National Elevation Dataset (NED) is the primary elevation data product produced and distributed by the U.S. Geological Survey. The NED provides seamless raster elevation data of the conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. island territories, Mexico, and Canada. The NED is derived from diverse source datasets that are processed to a specification with consistent resolutions, coordinateAuthorsDean B. Gesch, Michael J. Oimoen, Gayla A. Evans - News