Topographic Lidar Surveys
The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) Provides Detailed Topographic Information for EarthMRI
Topographic maps define the shape of the Earth’s surface. The USGS leads the interagency 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), which has the goal to complete acquisition of nationwide lidar (IfSAR in AK) to provide the first-ever national baseline of consistent high-resolution elevation data – both bare earth and 3D point clouds – collected in a timeframe of less than a decade. These data serve many purposes, including ensuring that geological and geophysical surveys are accurate. Lidar data are critical for:
Mapping young deposits and landforms, which are those most essential to understanding Earth resources
Underpinning geologic mapping that guides assessment and development of solid-Earth resources: base and precious metals, sand and gravel, coal, oil, and natural gas
Supporting site-specific engineering studies by the geotechnical industry
Improving the efficiency of geologic mapping, dramatically improving the spatial precision of geologic maps, and increasing the number of units that can be mapped, in some cases doubling them
3D Elevation Program
Managed by USGS, 3DEP's goal is to acquire high-quality topographic data and other three-dimensional (3D) representations of our Nation's natural and constructed features.
3DEP: Earth MRI Priority Areas
Earth MRI is accelerating 3DEP’s collection of modern topographic data over regions of interest for subsurface critical mineral resources. An amendment to the current BAA made $1.6M in funding available in support of the Earth MRI FY19 priorities.
LidarExplorer
The LidarExplorer is an application to enable the search, discovery, and visualization of lidar data and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) products provided by the USGS National Geospatial Program.
