Where can I get global elevation data?
Download free global elevation data products using AppEEARS or EarthExplorer. Free registration is required.
In AppEEARS:
Download Aster Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM version 3)
- 1-arc-second (30m) resolution
- GeoTIFF format
- Acquired 2000-2013
In EarthExplorer, select “Digital Elevation” under the "Data Sets" tab and choose an option:
Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)
- 1-arc-second (30m) resolution
- DTED, BIL, and GeoTIFF formats
- Acquired 2000
Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010)
- 30-, 15-, and 7.5-arc-second (1km, 500m, 250m) resolution
- GeoTIFF format
- Multiple sources, multiple dates
- 30-arc-second (1km) resolution
- DEM and GeoTIFF formats
- Multiple sources, compiled 1993-1996
Related Content
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...
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...
What is the vertical accuracy of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?
As of 2022, the absolute vertical accuracy of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) 1/3 arc-second seamless DEM product within the conterminous United States is approximately 0.82 meters root mean square error (RMSE), based on a comparison to almost 25,000 NOAA National Geodetic Survey OPUS points . Accuracy has improved from a RMSE of 1.55 meters tested in 2013, due to the addition of lidar projects...
Where can I get global land cover data?
Access global land cover data using two sources in EarthExplorer : Global Land Cover Characterization (GLCC) : In EarthExplorer , select "GLCC" under "Land Cover" in the "Data Sets" tab. Derived from 1-km Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer ( AVHRR ) data collected April 1992-March 1993. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Land Cover : In EarthExplorer , select "NASA LPDAAC...
What types of elevation datasets are available, what formats do they come in, and where can I download them?
Digital elevation data for the United States and its territories are available through The National Map Downloader . Click the “Help” link at the top of the page for detailed instructions on how to find and download data. There's a separate site for The National Map Services . Downloads and map services are free; no account is required. The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) products and services...
Validation of the ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model version 3 over the conterminous United States
Global multi-resolution terrain elevation data 2010 (GMTED2010)
Evaluation of the Global Multi-Resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010) using ICESat geodetic control
Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)
Earth Explorer
Related Content
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...
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...
What is the vertical accuracy of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?
As of 2022, the absolute vertical accuracy of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) 1/3 arc-second seamless DEM product within the conterminous United States is approximately 0.82 meters root mean square error (RMSE), based on a comparison to almost 25,000 NOAA National Geodetic Survey OPUS points . Accuracy has improved from a RMSE of 1.55 meters tested in 2013, due to the addition of lidar projects...
Where can I get global land cover data?
Access global land cover data using two sources in EarthExplorer : Global Land Cover Characterization (GLCC) : In EarthExplorer , select "GLCC" under "Land Cover" in the "Data Sets" tab. Derived from 1-km Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer ( AVHRR ) data collected April 1992-March 1993. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Land Cover : In EarthExplorer , select "NASA LPDAAC...
What types of elevation datasets are available, what formats do they come in, and where can I download them?
Digital elevation data for the United States and its territories are available through The National Map Downloader . Click the “Help” link at the top of the page for detailed instructions on how to find and download data. There's a separate site for The National Map Services . Downloads and map services are free; no account is required. The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) products and services...