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3D Elevation Program Standards and Specifications

The 3DEP products and services available through The National Map consist of standard digital elevation models (DEMs) at various horizontal resolutions, elevation source (lidar) and associated datasets, and web applications and visualization services. Products of the 3D Elevation Program are built upon the most current applicable standards for geospatial data.  

3DEP Product Standards

3DEP products are documented using the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) content standard for geospatial metadata. 3DEP products are searchable collections through the Data.gov Open Government Initiative. Elevation products are provided in formats that are fully compliant with Executive Order 12906, OMB Circular A-16, OMB Circular A130 , and OMB Circular A-119.

If you encounter problems or require more information about these standards, please contact National Map Help.

 

 

Elevation Specification Resources

    • Lidar Base Specification Online Lidar Base Specification Online

      The Lidar Base Specification (LBS) is the source of requirements for collections under the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). The latest version of the specification is LBS 2025 rev. A, released in June 2025. See below for previous versions.
      Lidar Base Specification Online

      Lidar Base Specification Online

      The Lidar Base Specification (LBS) is the source of requirements for collections under the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). The latest version of the specification is LBS 2025 rev. A, released in June 2025. See below for previous versions.
      Learn More
    • Lidar Base Specification Revision Status Lidar Base Specification Revision Status

      This page has tables outlining revision requests and their status for each version of the Lidar Base Specification. Click on the revision request highlighted in the table to read a detailed description of the revision. The first table displays revisions currently under consideration to be published in the next version of the specification.
      Lidar Base Specification Revision Status

      Lidar Base Specification Revision Status

      This page has tables outlining revision requests and their status for each version of the Lidar Base Specification. Click on the revision request highlighted in the table to read a detailed description of the revision. The first table displays revisions currently under consideration to be published in the next version of the specification.
      Learn More
    • Lidar Error Dictionary Lidar Error Dictionary

      The purpose of this dictionary is to provide standardized language to describe commonly encountered errors associated with lidar datasets submitted to the USGS data validation unit for ingestion into the National Map. This document will improve communication between 3D Elevation Program operations personnel, the project’s point of contact, contributors, partners, and contractors.
      Lidar Error Dictionary

      Lidar Error Dictionary

      The purpose of this dictionary is to provide standardized language to describe commonly encountered errors associated with lidar datasets submitted to the USGS data validation unit for ingestion into the National Map. This document will improve communication between 3D Elevation Program operations personnel, the project’s point of contact, contributors, partners, and contractors.
      Learn More
    • Lidar Error Dictionary part 2 Lidar Error Dictionary part 2

      The purpose of this dictionary is to provide standardized language to describe commonly encountered errors associated with lidar datasets submitted to the USGS data validation unit for ingestion into the National Map. This document will improve communication between 3D Elevation Program operations personnel, the project’s point of contact, contributors, partners, and contractors.
      Lidar Error Dictionary part 2

      Lidar Error Dictionary part 2

      The purpose of this dictionary is to provide standardized language to describe commonly encountered errors associated with lidar datasets submitted to the USGS data validation unit for ingestion into the National Map. This document will improve communication between 3D Elevation Program operations personnel, the project’s point of contact, contributors, partners, and contractors.
      Learn More
    • 3DEP Known Issues 3DEP Known Issues

      Learn more about errors and/or corrections related to 3DEP Digital Elevation Models.
      3DEP Known Issues

      3DEP Known Issues

      Learn more about errors and/or corrections related to 3DEP Digital Elevation Models.
      Learn More
    • 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) Vertical Accuracy Error Dictionary 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) Vertical Accuracy Error Dictionary

      The purpose of this dictionary is to provide standardized language to describe commonly encountered errors associated with Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) survey points submitted to USGS Elevation Operations. This document is intended to improve communication between 3D Elevation Program operations, the project’s point of contact, contractors, contributors, and partners. Please note this list
      3D Elevation Program (3DEP) Vertical Accuracy Error Dictionary

      3D Elevation Program (3DEP) Vertical Accuracy Error Dictionary

      The purpose of this dictionary is to provide standardized language to describe commonly encountered errors associated with Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) survey points submitted to USGS Elevation Operations. This document is intended to improve communication between 3D Elevation Program operations, the project’s point of contact, contractors, contributors, and partners. Please note this list
      Learn More
    • USGS Templates and Examples to Meet Lidar Current Standards USGS Templates and Examples to Meet Lidar Current Standards

      The Lidar Base Specification ensures that all data published through USGS is consistent and accurate. Templates are provided on this page to be viewed and utilized to meet USGS requirements for fomatting in specific standards.
      USGS Templates and Examples to Meet Lidar Current Standards

      USGS Templates and Examples to Meet Lidar Current Standards

      The Lidar Base Specification ensures that all data published through USGS is consistent and accurate. Templates are provided on this page to be viewed and utilized to meet USGS requirements for fomatting in specific standards.
      Learn More
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