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.
Lidar Base Specification
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 2022 rev. A, released in April 2022.
3DEP Spatial Metadata
The Work unit Extent Spatial Metadata is a good source of information for current lidar data availability and basic information about lidar projects.
Topographic Data Quality Levels
The concept of topographic quality levels (QLs) was originally defined in the National Enhanced Elevation Assessment report by Dewberry and further defined in the 3DEP Lidar Base Specification (LBS).
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
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Lidar Base Specification Online
The current version of the Lidar Base Specification is 2023 rev. A. See below for previous versions.
For information on revisions being considered for the next LBS release, please see the LBS Revisions Status page.
Lidar Base Specification Revision Status
The 3DEP Lidar Base Specification undergoes a continuous revision and update process. Revision requests are submitted through the 3DEP Working Group (WG) and the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center. Requests are reviewed by the Elevation Specifications Review Board (ESRB). If the ESRB approves a request, it is reviewed for final approval by the 3DEP WG.
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 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.
3DEP Known Issues
Learn more about errors and/or corrections related to 3DEP Digital Elevation Models.
