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Alaska Mapping

By NGP User Engagement Office

New Alaska IfSAR Data

Provides Detailed Elevation Information

New Alaska Topographic Maps

USGS 'US Topo' Digital Format

The Alaska Mapping Initiative (AMI) is a collaborative effort of the USGS, other federal agencies, and the State of Alaska to create updated topographic data and maps for all of Alaska. The Alaska Mapping Executive Committee (AMEC) was formed to coordinate and promote this ambitious effort to ensure that Alaska mapping products meet standards similar to the rest of the United States

Alaska Mapping Initiative: Modernizing Alaska Mapping

The goal of the Alaska Mapping Initiative (AMI) is to acquire and enhance foundational digital map layers such as elevation, surface water, roads, buildings and boundaries. Updated map layers are used to produce a new US Topo map series for Alaska statewide. The first round of US Topo maps were completed statewide for Alaska in 2021 and the second round of maps will begin in 2023. This multi-year mapping initiative will benefit high-priority applications in human safety, planning, research, and resource management.

New Elevation Layer Acquired Statewide for Alaska

New 5-meter resolution elevation data have now been collected by airborne radar statewide for Alaska. The new data were acquired using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) technology and are replacing decades-old 60-meter elevation data. Alaska IfSAR data are made available free to the public as an element of the national 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). 

Alaska Mapping Executive Committee

The Alaska Mapping Executive Committee (AMEC) was formed in November of 2012 to coordinate the acquisition of critical Alaska map data. Executive level managers from 15 Federal agencies and Departments and the State of Alaska serve on the AMEC. The current data layers in development at various agencies under guidance from AMEC include statewide wetlands, terrestrial hydrography, imagery, gravity, and several targeted coastal datasets.