What is the projection, horizontal datum, vertical datum, and resolution for a USGS digital elevation model (DEM)? | U.S. Geolog

What is the projection, horizontal datum, vertical datum, and resolution for a USGS digital elevation model (DEM)? | U.S. Geological Survey
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What is the projection, horizontal datum, vertical datum, and resolution for a USGS digital elevation model (DEM)?
Projection
:  3DEP DEMS have different projections/coordinate systems depending on the product:
1/3-, 1-, and 2-arc-second (also the discontinued 1/9-arc-second) DEMs are not projected.  They are all in geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude).
5-meter DEMs (Alaska only) are Alaska Albers Equal Area.
1-meter DEMs are in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM).
Original Product Resolution (OPR) DEMs – projection varies.
The coordinate system and projection information for ALL DEMs are in each DEM file header; GIS software should detect them automatically.
Horizontal Datum
:  The North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83)
Vertical Datum
:  Typically the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88), although the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29) and local reference datums are used in some areas outside of the conterminous United States. For Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Pacific Island territories, the vertical datum is typically referenced to local mean sea level.
Resolution
:  The conterminous United States is available at horizontal resolutions of
1-arc-second (~30 meters):  full coverage
1/3-arc-second (~10 meters): full coverage
1/9-arc-second (~3 meters): partial coverage
1-meter: partial coverage
Learn more:
About 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) Products & Services
What types of elevation datasets are available, what formats do they come in, and where can I download them?
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FAQ
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How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?
How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?
If you think you’ve found an error in USGS elevation data, please send an email to
tnm_help@usgs.gov
. We will add the reported information to our "Digital Elevation Model Issues" data log for further analysis and possible correction. Spikes, pits, seam-line anomalies, and other data errors are of concern to us. We are working to correct or minimize known issues, but it will take some time. Errors...
How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?
How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?
If you think you’ve found an error in USGS elevation data, please send an email to
tnm_help@usgs.gov
. We will add the reported information to our "Digital Elevation Model Issues" data log for further analysis and possible correction. Spikes, pits, seam-line anomalies, and other data errors are of concern to us. We are working to correct or minimize known issues, but it will take some time. Errors...
What is the coverage of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?
What is the coverage of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?
Elevation products are summarized on our 3-D Elevation (3DEP) Products and Services website. View detailed availability maps (status graphics) through several sites: The National Map Download Client – Click “Show” below each elevation product Lidar Availability Viewer - Lidar point cloud only LidarExplorer – Lidar point cloud only DEM Availability Viewer - 1 meter DEMs only Learn more:  What is...
What is the coverage of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?
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Elevation products are summarized on our 3-D Elevation (3DEP) Products and Services website. View detailed availability maps (status graphics) through several sites: The National Map Download Client – Click “Show” below each elevation product Lidar Availability Viewer - Lidar point cloud only LidarExplorer – Lidar point cloud only DEM Availability Viewer - 1 meter DEMs only Learn more:  What is...
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What is the difference between lidar data and a digital elevation model (DEM)?
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How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?
How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?
If you think you’ve found an error in USGS elevation data, please send an email to
tnm_help@usgs.gov
. We will add the reported information to our "Digital Elevation Model Issues" data log for further analysis and possible correction. Spikes, pits, seam-line anomalies, and other data errors are of concern to us. We are working to correct or minimize known issues, but it will take some time. Errors...
How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?
How do I report errors in 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) elevation data?
If you think you’ve found an error in USGS elevation data, please send an email to
tnm_help@usgs.gov
. We will add the reported information to our "Digital Elevation Model Issues" data log for further analysis and possible correction. Spikes, pits, seam-line anomalies, and other data errors are of concern to us. We are working to correct or minimize known issues, but it will take some time. Errors...
What is the coverage of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?
What is the coverage of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?
Elevation products are summarized on our 3-D Elevation (3DEP) Products and Services website. View detailed availability maps (status graphics) through several sites: The National Map Download Client – Click “Show” below each elevation product Lidar Availability Viewer - Lidar point cloud only LidarExplorer – Lidar point cloud only DEM Availability Viewer - 1 meter DEMs only Learn more:  What is...
What is the coverage of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?
What is the coverage of 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) DEMs?
Elevation products are summarized on our 3-D Elevation (3DEP) Products and Services website. View detailed availability maps (status graphics) through several sites: The National Map Download Client – Click “Show” below each elevation product Lidar Availability Viewer - Lidar point cloud only LidarExplorer – Lidar point cloud only DEM Availability Viewer - 1 meter DEMs only Learn more:  What is...
What is the difference between lidar data and a digital elevation model (DEM)?
What is the difference between lidar data and a digital elevation model (DEM)?
Light detection and ranging (lidar) data are collected from aircraft using sensors that detect the reflections of a pulsed laser beam. The reflections are recorded as millions of individual points, collectively called a “point cloud,” that represent the 3D positions of objects on the surface including buildings, vegetation, and the ground. Digital elevation models ( DEMs) are one of many products...
What is the difference between lidar data and a digital elevation model (DEM)?
What is the difference between lidar data and a digital elevation model (DEM)?
Light detection and ranging (lidar) data are collected from aircraft using sensors that detect the reflections of a pulsed laser beam. The reflections are recorded as millions of individual points, collectively called a “point cloud,” that represent the 3D positions of objects on the surface including buildings, vegetation, and the ground. Digital elevation models ( DEMs) are one of many products...
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November 30, 2017
Majuro Atoll — Topobathymetric Model
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Majuro Atoll — Topobathymetric Model
This video is of is a three-dimensional (3D) view of the Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands topobathymetric model which consists of topography (land elevation) and bathymetry (water depth). This video shows the importance of high-resolution, detailed topobathymetric models because the highest natural elevation for the Majuro Atoll is only three meters.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Communications and Publishing
November 30, 2017
Majuro Atoll — Topobathymetric Model
Majuro Atoll — Topobathymetric Model
Majuro Atoll — Topobathymetric Model
Majuro Atoll — Topobathymetric Model
This video is of is a three-dimensional (3D) view of the Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands topobathymetric model which consists of topography (land elevation) and bathymetry (water depth). This video shows the importance of high-resolution, detailed topobathymetric models because the highest natural elevation for the Majuro Atoll is only three meters.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Communications and Publishing
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by Rian Bogle, Remote Sensing Specialist
By
Western Geographic Science Center
Communications and Publishing
Public Lecture Series
November 18, 2010
PubTalk 11/2010 — Silicon, Software, and Science
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by Rian Bogle, Remote Sensing Specialist
By
Western Geographic Science Center
Communications and Publishing
Public Lecture Series
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The goal of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is to complete nationwide data acquisition in 8 years, by 2023, to provide the first-ever national baseline of consistent high-resolution three-dimensional data—including bare earth elevations and three-dimensional point clouds—collected in a timeframe of less than a decade. Successful implementation of 3DEP depends on partnerships and the...
Authors
Vicki Lukas, Vanessa Baez
By
National Geospatial Program
3D Elevation Program
May 16, 2019
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Introduction California faces unprecedented challenges presented by shifting weather patterns that are defining a “new normal.” The result has been extreme weather events, prolonged drought, flooding, and debris flows. These conditions drive severe tree mortality, increase wildfire occurrence and intensity, reduce water availability, and hasten subsidence in groundwater basins...
Authors
Carol L. Ostergren, Drew Decker, Carswell
By
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National Geospatial Program
3D Elevation Program
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Coastal National Elevation Database
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The Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project develops enhanced topographic (land elevation) and bathymetric (water depth) datasets that serve as valuable resources for coastal hazards research (Danielson and others, 2016; Thatcher and others, 2016). These datasets are used widely for mapping inundation zones from riverine flood events, hurricanes, and sea-level...
Authors
Jeffrey J. Danielson, Sandra K. Poppenga, Dean J. Tyler, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Dean B. Gesch
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project
January 25, 2018
The 3D Elevation Program—Flood risk management
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Flood-damage reduction in the United States has been a longstanding but elusive societal goal. The national strategy for reducing flood damage has shifted over recent decades from a focus on construction of flood-control dams and levee systems to a three-pronged strategy to (1) improve the design and operation of such structures, (2) provide more accurate and accessible flood forecasting...
Authors
Carswell, Vicki Lukas
By
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
National Geospatial Program
3D Elevation Program
January 27, 2017
The 3D Elevation Program—Landslide recognition, hazard assessment, and mitigation support
The 3D Elevation Program—Landslide recognition, hazard assessment, and mitigation support
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landslide Hazards Program conducts landslide hazard assessments, pursues landslide investigations and forecasts, provides technical assistance to respond to landslide emergencies, and engages in outreach. All of these activities benefit from the availability of high-resolution, three-dimensional (3D) elevation information in the form of light detection...
Authors
Vicki Lukas, Carswell
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area
Landslide Hazards Program
National Geospatial Program
Geologic Hazards Science Center
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Read Article
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The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is excited to announce the availability of a new way to access and process lidar point cloud data from the 3DEP...
Read Article
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May 23, 2018
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The National Map provides a new Simple Notification Service and has new URLs for some of its thematic cartographic map services.
Read Article
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July 28, 2017
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The USGS is seeing a dramatic increase in the use of 3D geospatial data for infrastructure planning, modeling and construction
Read Article
New Elevation for Nation’s Highest Peak
September 2, 2015
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A new, official height for Denali has been measured at 20,310 feet, just 10 feet less than the previous elevation of 20,320 feet which was established...
Read Article
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Updated Date: July 26, 2024
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