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
3D Elevation Program—Virtual USA in 3D 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
Mapping benefits from updated ifsar data in Alaska: improved source data enables better maps 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...
Authors
Kari J. Craun
Map Scales 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
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey
Related
3D Elevation Program—Virtual USA in 3D 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
Mapping benefits from updated ifsar data in Alaska: improved source data enables better maps 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...
Authors
Kari J. Craun
Map Scales 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
Water Resources Division U.S. Geological Survey
Updated Date: July 29, 2026