The USGS does not have specific data for current mountain peak elevations other than what was previously published in an Elevations and Distances in the United States booklet. To determine an approximate elevation at a specific point, use the spot elevation tool query in The National Map Viewer or use the The National Map Elevation Point Query Service. Elevations derived using these methods are approximate because they are interpolated from terrain elevations sampled on a grid and might not reflect the highest elevation of a peak.
You can also use the Geographic Names Information System query form for mountain peak elevations based on a feature class of "Summit". The form is available by clicking “Search Domestic Names” on the GNIS website. Be aware that the description in the results might contain the true surveyed summit elevation, so interpolated elevation values obtained through other means might differ.
Historical USGS topographic maps (published before 2009) will show a surveyed elevation on a summit if one exists.
For the most accurate surveyed elevations of mountain peaks, please reference the National Geodetic Survey datasheets.
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Projection: 3DEP DEMS have different projections/coordinate systems depending on the product: 1/3-, 1-, and 2-arc-second (also the discontinued 1/9-arc-second) DEMs are not projected. They are all in geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude). 5-meter DEMs (Alaska only) are Alaska Albers Equal Area. 1-meter DEMs are in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). Original Product Resolution (OPR) DEMs –...
What is Lidar data and where can I download it?
Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) is a technology used to create high-resolution models of ground elevation with a vertical accuracy of 10 centimeters (4 inches). Lidar equipment, which includes a laser scanner, a Global Positioning System (GPS), and an Inertial Navigation System (INS), is typically mounted on a small aircraft. The laser scanner transmits brief pulses of light to the ground...
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...
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