Topographic datasets compiled for the Lower Roanoke River corridor in 2003, 2014, and 2020, North Carolina

This data release contains topographic information compiled for the Lower Roanoke River corridor located in eastern North Carolina. The Lower Roanoke River corridor includes the mainstem of the Roanoke River from Roanoke Rapids, NC (below the Roanoke Rapids dam) to the mouth of the Roanoke River at its confluence with the Albemarle Sound, and the associated floodplains and wetland areas surrounding the river. All datasets were derived from publicly available airborne light detection and radar (lidar) data collected in years 2003, 2014, and 2020. Data are organized into four categories: Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Slopes, Digital Elevation Models of Difference (DoDs) in numeric format, and one DoD in categoric format. The DEM and Slope datasets represent static topographic conditions in 2003, 2014, or 2020. The DoD datasets reflect changes to topographic conditions between the years of 2003 and 2014, 2014 and 2020, and 2003 and 2020. These datasets can be used to support future examination of geomorphologic changes in the Lower Roanoke River basin. Due to the Lower Roanoke River corridor's extensive low-lying floodplain network, the lidar data and subsequent estimations of ground elevations (DEMs) were sensitive to differences in river stages across airborne lidar flight dates. Dense canopy cover and changes to lidar collection and processing techniques across the data acquisition years may also have affected the quality of data contained in this release.