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What geographic areas do 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contours cover?

3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contours cover all of the United States and its territories at multiple scales:

  • Small scales (1:578,000-1:289,000)
  • Medium scales (1:144,000-1:72,000)
  • Large scales (1:36,000-1:18,000)

Contours are easily viewed in The National Map Viewer and USGS topographic maps, or downloaded through The National Map Download Client.

Learn more: Map Scales

Related Content

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AK Mount McKinley A-3 US Topo (Browse Image for Story Map)

Are 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contour lines updated and what sources were used to create them?

When significant changes in the landscape have occurred, contours will be updated on an as-needed basis.  The 100-foot contours were derived from 3DEP (formerly National Elevation Dataset) one arc-second resolution data that was sub-sampled to a cell size of three arc-second. The 50-foot contours were also derived from one arc-second data. Large-scale contours were derived from 1/3 arc-second...

link

Are 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contour lines updated and what sources were used to create them?

When significant changes in the landscape have occurred, contours will be updated on an as-needed basis.  The 100-foot contours were derived from 3DEP (formerly National Elevation Dataset) one arc-second resolution data that was sub-sampled to a cell size of three arc-second. The 50-foot contours were also derived from one arc-second data. Large-scale contours were derived from 1/3 arc-second...

Learn More
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The Bumble Bee, Arizona US Topo map

Are depression contours identified in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contour products?

Yes, depression contours are identified with tick marks in 3D Elevation Program products, but only in large scale contours (1:36,000 scale to 1:18,000 scale).

link

Are depression contours identified in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contour products?

Yes, depression contours are identified with tick marks in 3D Elevation Program products, but only in large scale contours (1:36,000 scale to 1:18,000 scale).

Learn More
link
Improved Topo Base map of the Glacier Peak WA area

At what scales are contours visible in The National Map Viewer?

In the default base map for The National Map Advanced Viewer: 500-foot contours are visible at a scale of 1:578,000 (zoom level 10) 100-foot contours are visible at scales of 1:289,000-1:144,000 (zoom level 11-12) 50-foot contours are visible at a scale of 1:72,000 (zoom level 13) Large scale contours are visible at scales from 1:36,000-1:9,000 (zoom levels 14-16)

link

At what scales are contours visible in The National Map Viewer?

In the default base map for The National Map Advanced Viewer: 500-foot contours are visible at a scale of 1:578,000 (zoom level 10) 100-foot contours are visible at scales of 1:289,000-1:144,000 (zoom level 11-12) 50-foot contours are visible at a scale of 1:72,000 (zoom level 13) Large scale contours are visible at scales from 1:36,000-1:9,000 (zoom levels 14-16)

Learn More
link
link

The 3D Elevation Program—Supporting California's Economy

IntroductionCalifornia faces unprecedented challenges presented by shifting weather patterns that are defining a “new normal.” The result has been extreme weather events, prolonged drought, flooding, and debris flows. These conditions drive severe tree mortality, increase wildfire occurrence and intensity, reduce water availability, and hasten subsidence in groundwater basins. Collectively, these
Authors
Carol L. Ostergren, Drew Decker, William J. Carswell,
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

The 3D Elevation Program—Flood risk management

Flood-damage reduction in the United States has been a longstanding but elusive societal goal. The national strategy for reducing flood damage has shifted over recent decades from a focus on construction of flood-control dams and levee systems to a three-pronged strategy to (1) improve the design and operation of such structures, (2) provide more accurate and accessible flood forecasting, and (3)
Authors
William J. Carswell,, Vicki Lukas
By
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

3D Elevation Program—Virtual USA in 3D

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) uses a laser system called ‘lidar’ (light detection and ranging) to create a virtual reality map of the Nation that is very accurate. 3D maps have many uses with new uses being discovered all the time.  
Authors
Vicki Lukas, J. M. Stoker
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

Mapping benefits from updated ifsar data in Alaska: improved source data enables better maps

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and partners in other Federal and State agencies are working collaboratively toward Statewide coverage of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (ifsar) elevation data in Alaska. These data will provide many benefits to a wide range of stakeholders and users. Some applications include development of more accurate and highly detailed topographic maps; improvement
Authors
Kari J. Craun
By
National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

Map Scales

The proportion chosen for a particular map is its scale. Selecting the appropriate scale depends on the size of the sheet of paper and the accurate placement of features. Ground area, rivers, lakes, roads, distances between features, and so on must be shown proportionately smaller than they really are.
Authors
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

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
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The 3D Elevation Program and America's Infrastructure

The USGS is seeing a dramatic increase in the use of 3D geospatial data for infrastructure planning, modeling and construction

Read Article
link

3D Elevation – We’ve Got You Covered in all 50 States

How 3D Elevation Can Benefit Each State and Puerto Rico

Read Article

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    AK Mount McKinley A-3 US Topo (Browse Image for Story Map)

    Are 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contour lines updated and what sources were used to create them?

    When significant changes in the landscape have occurred, contours will be updated on an as-needed basis.  The 100-foot contours were derived from 3DEP (formerly National Elevation Dataset) one arc-second resolution data that was sub-sampled to a cell size of three arc-second. The 50-foot contours were also derived from one arc-second data. Large-scale contours were derived from 1/3 arc-second...

    link

    Are 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contour lines updated and what sources were used to create them?

    When significant changes in the landscape have occurred, contours will be updated on an as-needed basis.  The 100-foot contours were derived from 3DEP (formerly National Elevation Dataset) one arc-second resolution data that was sub-sampled to a cell size of three arc-second. The 50-foot contours were also derived from one arc-second data. Large-scale contours were derived from 1/3 arc-second...

    Learn More
    link
    The Bumble Bee, Arizona US Topo map

    Are depression contours identified in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contour products?

    Yes, depression contours are identified with tick marks in 3D Elevation Program products, but only in large scale contours (1:36,000 scale to 1:18,000 scale).

    link

    Are depression contours identified in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) contour products?

    Yes, depression contours are identified with tick marks in 3D Elevation Program products, but only in large scale contours (1:36,000 scale to 1:18,000 scale).

    Learn More
    link
    Improved Topo Base map of the Glacier Peak WA area

    At what scales are contours visible in The National Map Viewer?

    In the default base map for The National Map Advanced Viewer: 500-foot contours are visible at a scale of 1:578,000 (zoom level 10) 100-foot contours are visible at scales of 1:289,000-1:144,000 (zoom level 11-12) 50-foot contours are visible at a scale of 1:72,000 (zoom level 13) Large scale contours are visible at scales from 1:36,000-1:9,000 (zoom levels 14-16)

    link

    At what scales are contours visible in The National Map Viewer?

    In the default base map for The National Map Advanced Viewer: 500-foot contours are visible at a scale of 1:578,000 (zoom level 10) 100-foot contours are visible at scales of 1:289,000-1:144,000 (zoom level 11-12) 50-foot contours are visible at a scale of 1:72,000 (zoom level 13) Large scale contours are visible at scales from 1:36,000-1:9,000 (zoom levels 14-16)

    Learn More
  • Multimedia
    link
    link
  • Publications

    The 3D Elevation Program—Supporting California's Economy

    IntroductionCalifornia faces unprecedented challenges presented by shifting weather patterns that are defining a “new normal.” The result has been extreme weather events, prolonged drought, flooding, and debris flows. These conditions drive severe tree mortality, increase wildfire occurrence and intensity, reduce water availability, and hasten subsidence in groundwater basins. Collectively, these
    Authors
    Carol L. Ostergren, Drew Decker, William J. Carswell,
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

    The 3D Elevation Program—Flood risk management

    Flood-damage reduction in the United States has been a longstanding but elusive societal goal. The national strategy for reducing flood damage has shifted over recent decades from a focus on construction of flood-control dams and levee systems to a three-pronged strategy to (1) improve the design and operation of such structures, (2) provide more accurate and accessible flood forecasting, and (3)
    Authors
    William J. Carswell,, Vicki Lukas
    By
    Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

    3D Elevation Program—Virtual USA in 3D

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) uses a laser system called ‘lidar’ (light detection and ranging) to create a virtual reality map of the Nation that is very accurate. 3D maps have many uses with new uses being discovered all the time.  
    Authors
    Vicki Lukas, J. M. Stoker
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

    Mapping benefits from updated ifsar data in Alaska: improved source data enables better maps

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and partners in other Federal and State agencies are working collaboratively toward Statewide coverage of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (ifsar) elevation data in Alaska. These data will provide many benefits to a wide range of stakeholders and users. Some applications include development of more accurate and highly detailed topographic maps; improvement
    Authors
    Kari J. Craun
    By
    National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program

    Map Scales

    The proportion chosen for a particular map is its scale. Selecting the appropriate scale depends on the size of the sheet of paper and the accurate placement of features. Ground area, rivers, lakes, roads, distances between features, and so on must be shown proportionately smaller than they really are.
    Authors
  • News
    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

    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 and America's Infrastructure

    The USGS is seeing a dramatic increase in the use of 3D geospatial data for infrastructure planning, modeling and construction

    Read Article
    link

    3D Elevation – We’ve Got You Covered in all 50 States

    How 3D Elevation Can Benefit Each State and Puerto Rico

    Read Article