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What is the coverage of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?

Elevation products are summarized on our 3-D Elevation (3DEP) Products and Services website. View detailed availability maps (status graphics) through several sites: 

Learn more:  What is 3DEP? 

 

Related Content

link
Example visualization of model output

How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?

If you think you’ve found an error in USGS elevation data, please send an email to tnm_help@usgs.gov. We will add the reported information to our "Digital Elevation Model Issues" data log for further analysis and possible correction. Spikes, pits, seam-line anomalies, and other data errors are of concern to us. We are working to correct or minimize known issues, but it will take some time. Errors...

link

How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?

If you think you’ve found an error in USGS elevation data, please send an email to tnm_help@usgs.gov. We will add the reported information to our "Digital Elevation Model Issues" data log for further analysis and possible correction. Spikes, pits, seam-line anomalies, and other data errors are of concern to us. We are working to correct or minimize known issues, but it will take some time. Errors...

Learn More
link
Lidar image

What is the difference between lidar data and a digital elevation model (DEM)?

Light detection and ranging (lidar) data are collected from aircraft using sensors that detect the reflections of a pulsed laser beam. The reflections are recorded as millions of individual points, collectively called a “point cloud,” that represent the 3D positions of objects on the surface including buildings, vegetation, and the ground. Digital elevation models (DEMs) are one of many products...

link

What is the difference between lidar data and a digital elevation model (DEM)?

Light detection and ranging (lidar) data are collected from aircraft using sensors that detect the reflections of a pulsed laser beam. The reflections are recorded as millions of individual points, collectively called a “point cloud,” that represent the 3D positions of objects on the surface including buildings, vegetation, and the ground. Digital elevation models (DEMs) are one of many products...

Learn More
link
Map of Fiscal Year 2020 status of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) quality data, as of September 2020

Where can I find 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) product updates and status maps?

3D Elevation Program (3DEP) product updates and status maps are available at these sites: Updates The National Map Data Delivery News Subscribe to Simple Notification Services to receive emails regarding changes to the status of The National Map Services Status Maps The National Map Download Client – Click “Show” below each elevation product LidarExplorer – Lidar point cloud only DEM Availability...

link

Where can I find 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) product updates and status maps?

3D Elevation Program (3DEP) product updates and status maps are available at these sites: Updates The National Map Data Delivery News Subscribe to Simple Notification Services to receive emails regarding changes to the status of The National Map Services Status Maps The National Map Download Client – Click “Show” below each elevation product LidarExplorer – Lidar point cloud only DEM Availability...

Learn More
link
Lidar image of Pittsburgh

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...

link

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...

Learn More
link
video thumbnail: Elevation link
link

3D Elevation Program—Federal best practices

The goal of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is to complete nationwide data acquisition in 8 years, by 2023, to provide the first-ever national baseline of consistent high-resolution three-dimensional data—including bare earth elevations and three-dimensional point clouds—collected in a timeframe of less than a decade. Successful implementation of 3DEP depends on partnerships and the development an
Authors
Vicki Lukas, Vanessa Baez
By
National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

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://w
Authors
By
National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program, The National Map - Data Delivery

Comparing methods used by the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geology Program for deriving shoreline position from lidar data

The U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geology Program uses three methods to derive a datum-based, mean high water shoreline on open-ocean coasts from light detection and ranging (lidar) elevation surveys. This work compared the shorelines produced by the three methods for two different surveys: one survey with simple beach morphology, and one survey with complex beach morphology. For the s
Authors
Amy S. Farris, Kathryn M. Weber, Kara S. Doran, Jeffrey H. List
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Coastal 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 for
Authors
Jeffrey J. Danielson, Sandra K. Poppenga, Dean J. Tyler, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Dean B. Gesch
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

The 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 standards
Authors
Christy-Ann M. Archuleta, Eric W. Constance, Samantha T. Arundel, Amanda J. Lowe, Kimberly S. Mantey, Lori A. Phillips
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS), National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, NGP Standards and Specifications

Lidar base specification

In late 2009, a $14.3 million allocation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for new light detection and ranging (lidar) elevation data acquisition prompted the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program (NGP) to develop a common minimum specification for all lidar data acquired for The National Map. Released as a working draft in 2010 and formally published in 20
Authors
Hans Karl Heidemann
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal Changes and Impacts, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, NGP Standards and Specifications

The 3D Elevation Program initiative: a call for action

The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) initiative is accelerating the rate of three-dimensional (3D) elevation data collection in response to a call for action to address a wide range of urgent needs nationwide. It began in 2012 with the recommendation to collect (1) high-quality light detection and ranging (lidar) data for the conterminous United States (CONUS), Hawaii, and the U.S. territories and (2)
Authors
Larry J. Sugarbaker, Eric W. Constance, Hans Karl Heidemann, Allyson L. Jason, Vicki Lukas, David L. Saghy, Jason M. Stoker
By
National Geospatial Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , 3D Elevation Program, Coastal Changes and Impacts

Accuracy 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, coordinate
Authors
Dean B. Gesch, Michael J. Oimoen, Gayla A. Evans
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal Changes and Impacts
link

USGS Digital Elevation Models (DEM) Switching to New Distribution Format

In support of ongoing efforts to provide efficient, cloud ready, open data formats, the U.S. Geological Survey National Geospatial Program is...

Read Article
link

USGS 3DEP Lidar Point Cloud Now Available as Amazon Public Dataset

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is excited to announce the availability of a new way to access and process lidar point cloud data from the 3DEP...

Read Article
link

USGS Topo Base Map Refreshed and Other Updates

The “USGS Topo Base Map” service named “USGS Topo” has been refreshed with new data and design changes. In addition, several of the “Data Availability...

Read Article
link

New Elevation Map Service Available From the USGS 3D Elevation Program

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) announces the availability of a new dynamic map service.

Read Article
link

The 3D Elevation Program Distributing Lidar Data in LAZ Format

In support of ongoing efforts to provide efficient, cloud ready, open data formats for the use of lidar data, the USGS National Geospatial Program and...

Read Article

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    Example visualization of model output

    How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?

    If you think you’ve found an error in USGS elevation data, please send an email to tnm_help@usgs.gov. We will add the reported information to our "Digital Elevation Model Issues" data log for further analysis and possible correction. Spikes, pits, seam-line anomalies, and other data errors are of concern to us. We are working to correct or minimize known issues, but it will take some time. Errors...

    link

    How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?

    If you think you’ve found an error in USGS elevation data, please send an email to tnm_help@usgs.gov. We will add the reported information to our "Digital Elevation Model Issues" data log for further analysis and possible correction. Spikes, pits, seam-line anomalies, and other data errors are of concern to us. We are working to correct or minimize known issues, but it will take some time. Errors...

    Learn More
    link
    Lidar image

    What is the difference between lidar data and a digital elevation model (DEM)?

    Light detection and ranging (lidar) data are collected from aircraft using sensors that detect the reflections of a pulsed laser beam. The reflections are recorded as millions of individual points, collectively called a “point cloud,” that represent the 3D positions of objects on the surface including buildings, vegetation, and the ground. Digital elevation models (DEMs) are one of many products...

    link

    What is the difference between lidar data and a digital elevation model (DEM)?

    Light detection and ranging (lidar) data are collected from aircraft using sensors that detect the reflections of a pulsed laser beam. The reflections are recorded as millions of individual points, collectively called a “point cloud,” that represent the 3D positions of objects on the surface including buildings, vegetation, and the ground. Digital elevation models (DEMs) are one of many products...

    Learn More
    link
    Map of Fiscal Year 2020 status of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) quality data, as of September 2020

    Where can I find 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) product updates and status maps?

    3D Elevation Program (3DEP) product updates and status maps are available at these sites: Updates The National Map Data Delivery News Subscribe to Simple Notification Services to receive emails regarding changes to the status of The National Map Services Status Maps The National Map Download Client – Click “Show” below each elevation product LidarExplorer – Lidar point cloud only DEM Availability...

    link

    Where can I find 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) product updates and status maps?

    3D Elevation Program (3DEP) product updates and status maps are available at these sites: Updates The National Map Data Delivery News Subscribe to Simple Notification Services to receive emails regarding changes to the status of The National Map Services Status Maps The National Map Download Client – Click “Show” below each elevation product LidarExplorer – Lidar point cloud only DEM Availability...

    Learn More
    link
    Lidar image of Pittsburgh

    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...

    link

    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...

    Learn More
  • Multimedia
    link
    video thumbnail: Elevation link
    link
  • Publications

    3D Elevation Program—Federal best practices

    The goal of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is to complete nationwide data acquisition in 8 years, by 2023, to provide the first-ever national baseline of consistent high-resolution three-dimensional data—including bare earth elevations and three-dimensional point clouds—collected in a timeframe of less than a decade. Successful implementation of 3DEP depends on partnerships and the development an
    Authors
    Vicki Lukas, Vanessa Baez
    By
    National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

    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://w
    Authors
    By
    National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program, The National Map - Data Delivery

    Comparing methods used by the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geology Program for deriving shoreline position from lidar data

    The U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geology Program uses three methods to derive a datum-based, mean high water shoreline on open-ocean coasts from light detection and ranging (lidar) elevation surveys. This work compared the shorelines produced by the three methods for two different surveys: one survey with simple beach morphology, and one survey with complex beach morphology. For the s
    Authors
    Amy S. Farris, Kathryn M. Weber, Kara S. Doran, Jeffrey H. List
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

    Coastal 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 for
    Authors
    Jeffrey J. Danielson, Sandra K. Poppenga, Dean J. Tyler, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Dean B. Gesch
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

    The 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 standards
    Authors
    Christy-Ann M. Archuleta, Eric W. Constance, Samantha T. Arundel, Amanda J. Lowe, Kimberly S. Mantey, Lori A. Phillips
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS), National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, NGP Standards and Specifications

    Lidar base specification

    In late 2009, a $14.3 million allocation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for new light detection and ranging (lidar) elevation data acquisition prompted the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program (NGP) to develop a common minimum specification for all lidar data acquired for The National Map. Released as a working draft in 2010 and formally published in 20
    Authors
    Hans Karl Heidemann
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal Changes and Impacts, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, NGP Standards and Specifications

    The 3D Elevation Program initiative: a call for action

    The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) initiative is accelerating the rate of three-dimensional (3D) elevation data collection in response to a call for action to address a wide range of urgent needs nationwide. It began in 2012 with the recommendation to collect (1) high-quality light detection and ranging (lidar) data for the conterminous United States (CONUS), Hawaii, and the U.S. territories and (2)
    Authors
    Larry J. Sugarbaker, Eric W. Constance, Hans Karl Heidemann, Allyson L. Jason, Vicki Lukas, David L. Saghy, Jason M. Stoker
    By
    National Geospatial Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , 3D Elevation Program, Coastal Changes and Impacts

    Accuracy 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, coordinate
    Authors
    Dean B. Gesch, Michael J. Oimoen, Gayla A. Evans
    By
    Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal Changes and Impacts
  • News
    link

    USGS Digital Elevation Models (DEM) Switching to New Distribution Format

    In support of ongoing efforts to provide efficient, cloud ready, open data formats, the U.S. Geological Survey National Geospatial Program is...

    Read Article
    link

    USGS 3DEP Lidar Point Cloud Now Available as Amazon Public Dataset

    The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is excited to announce the availability of a new way to access and process lidar point cloud data from the 3DEP...

    Read Article
    link

    USGS Topo Base Map Refreshed and Other Updates

    The “USGS Topo Base Map” service named “USGS Topo” has been refreshed with new data and design changes. In addition, several of the “Data Availability...

    Read Article
    link

    New Elevation Map Service Available From the USGS 3D Elevation Program

    The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) announces the availability of a new dynamic map service.

    Read Article
    link

    The 3D Elevation Program Distributing Lidar Data in LAZ Format

    In support of ongoing efforts to provide efficient, cloud ready, open data formats for the use of lidar data, the USGS National Geospatial Program and...

    Read Article