About NGP
3D Elevation Program - Your Source for 3D Elevation Data
3DEP - Get involved, Get data, Learn about applications and benefits
3D Hydrography Program - Your Source for 3D Hydrography Data
3DHP - Get involved, Get data, Learn about applications and benefits
Meet our Network of National Map Liaisons
Alaska Mapping Initiative
The USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) provides vital, trusted topographic mapping information for the United States. NGP’s broad portfolio and cross-cutting initiatives span from developing and maintaining The National Map to emergency response support to cutting edge geospatial research.
The National Map
The National Map, a suite of geospatial products describing the Nation’s topography, is built through NGP’s portfolio and cross-cutting initiatives in concert with public, private, and non-profit partners.
NGP Strategy
NGP has a multiyear strategic plan covering key goals and objectives to guide our work to serve the Nation.
Mission and Vision
Our mission at the National Geospatial Program is to provide topographic information for the Nation.
Our vision is to be the National Leader for trusted geospatial information - setting the standard for today and anticipating the needs of tomorrow.
Explore NGP's Portfolio
Building on a Legacy of Topographic Maps
In 1884, the USGS began mapping the Nation's topography. Since that time, the USGS has been dedicated to ensuring the landscape of the United States is delivered to the public at multiple map scales using ever-improving technologies.
Topographic maps include the Historical Topographic Map Collection, US Topo, and USGS’s newest topographic map product — OnDemand Topo, which is custom built by users with the topoBuilder application.
NGP also puts significant effort into harmonizing data from other trusted sources into nationwide datasets that provide context on USGS topo maps, such as structures, boundaries, and transportation data, including trails.
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Topographic Maps
Topographic maps became a signature product of the USGS because the public found them - then and now - to be a critical and versatile tool for viewing the nation's vast landscape.
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Supporting Themes
Supporting themes for The National Map (TNM) include Transportation, Structures, Boundaries, Imagery, Land Cover, and Small-Scale datasets.
Mapping the Nation's Topography in 3D
The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) and 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) collaborate with public, private, non-profit, and academic partners to deliver nationally consistent elevation data and new surface water data for the Nation. These accurate, detailed datasets underpin a broad range of applications such as flood risk management, hazards response and mitigation, infrastructure management, and more.
The 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM) is a new initiative that updates, improves, and integrates USGS elevation and hydrography data to support the most demanding scientific requirements and enable data-driven decisions across user communities.
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3D Elevation Program
The mission of 3DEP is to respond to growing needs for current high-quality topographic data and for a wide range of other three-dimensional (3D) representations of the Nation's natural and constructed features.
3D Hydrography Program
The implementation of 3D National Hydrography Program (3DHP) marks the start of a new era of water data - the first systematic remapping of the Nation’s hydrography since the original USGS 1:24,000-scale topographic mapping program was active. Community-wide coordinated investments will contribute toward a consistent set of national water data to answer the most demanding water resource questions.
Connecting with National Map Users across the Nation
NGP’s User Engagement Office, including a team of National Map Liaisons across the country, is dedicated to supporting the needs of National Map users, from professionals to the general public. In addition to representing NGP across a variety of stakeholder groups, National Map Liaisons work one-on-one with users to advise on 3D Elevation Program, 3D Hydrography Program, and topoBuilder products and services. Liaisons foster partnerships resulting in millions of dollars of free, publicly available topographic data acquired in partnership with state and local governments.
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NGP User Engagement Office
National Map Liaisons build connections, provide outreach and education, and foster collaborations and partnerships for key initiatives of the National Geospatial Program. Liaisons in the National Geospatial Program communicate and connect on national topographic mapping activities and emergency response across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Researching the Future of Geospatial Information Science
The Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science, or CEGIS, is the long-term academic research arm of National Geospatial Program. CEGIS is a world leader in cutting edge research in topics ranging from GeoAI to crowdsourcing to multiscale representation. Their research supports The National Map, USGS, and beyond.
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Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)
The CEGIS vision is to conduct, lead, and influence the research and innovative solutions required by the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the emerging GeoSpatial and GeoSemantic Web. CEGIS is a virtual organization with Federal and academic affiliate scientists conducting research in support of The National Map and the Three-Dimensional Elevation Program (3DEP).
Critical Mapping Support for Emergencies and Disasters
NGP chairs and staffs the Geospatial Information Response Team (GIRT), which leverages USGS resources and partner assets to ensure that timely geospatial data are available for use by emergency responders, land and resource managers, and for scientific analysis in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. GIRT provides data, visualization, and mapping tools through the Event Support Map.
The NGP Emergency Response Coordinator also works with the Bureau Emergency Management Coordinator to assure a consolidated communication and response strategy.
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Geospatial Information Response Team
The USGS established the Geospatial Information Response Team (GIRT) to facilitate the effective coordination, communication, dissemination and archive of geospatial data and information during a disaster event.
Supporting the Nation’s Geographic Names
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) is supported by NGP staff including the Domestic Names Committee Executive Secretary and others who research and guide name proposals through the decision process.
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is the official repository for domestic geographic names and was developed by the USGS in cooperation with the BGN, which maintains working relationships with Federal partners, State Names Authorities, and local and Tribal governments to standardize geographic names for Federal use, including on National Map products and services.
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Domestic Names
Place names within the United States and its dependent areas are available in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and are the responsibility of the Domestic Names Committee (DNC) of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN).
Cross-cutting Initiatives
NGP has several cross-cutting National initiatives that help further National Map products and services to support the needs of the Nation. Some of these include:
- The Alaska Mapping Initiative supports acquisition of new topographic data and generation of updated maps for the country’s largest state. The Alaska Mapping Initiative cuts across all areas of The National Map.
- The National Digital Trails project works to integrate recreational trails from across the Nation into one data source available for multiple uses, including on USGS topographic maps. The project also helps public agencies plan trail routes through the use of TRAILS, the Trail Routing, Analysis, and Information Linkage System.
Alaska Mapping Initiative
National Digital Trails
National Geospatial Program Releases
Stay up to date with the latest news and publications from the National Geospatial Program.