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U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program created the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) in response to the growing need for high-quality topographic data as well as other three-dimensional (3D) representations of the natural and constructed features within the United States. Production of this program began in 2016. By the end of 2022, 89.5% of the country’s elevation data has become available or was in progress to meet 3DEP specifications for high accuracy and resolution.
Decision makers use the data provided through 3DEP on a daily basis to make critical decisions pertaining to safety of life, property, and environment, to long term planning of essential infrastructure. This data is essential for decisions that impact hundreds or thousands of people. USGS states that “3DEP is truly a community effort, the partners that fund acquisition, the vibrant lidar industry and private sector mapping firms that collect data, and an innovative user base.”
LiDAR data collected by USGS and its partners are of quality level 2 or better, which means it has a minimum nominal pulse spacing of 0.7 meters and a vertical error of 10 centimeters, measured as root mean square error in the elevation (z) dimension (RMSEz).
High-resolution LiDAR data from this program can now be downloaded through the USGS’s website or through Equator’s platform.
3D Topographic Maps made from LiDAR
Equator uses LiDAR data to create topographic maps. So what is LiDAR? LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It is an advanced remote sensing technique that utilizes pulsed infrared laser beams to measure the dimensions and topography of the Earth’s surface. A scanner calculates ranges in distances by sending out multiple laser beams in various directions and precisely measuring the time it takes for them to be reflected back. This can happen up to 100 million times per second!
LiDAR is a valuable tool for creating accurate topographic maps. By collecting the reflected laser data from the surface of the Earth, LiDAR can generate detailed topographical maps that show elevation, slope, and contour information. These maps are essential for many applications, including engineering, geology, forestry, and surveying.
Trusted by 20,000+ users around the globe
10x
Faster to topographic map deliverables
50%
Increased productivity
$20,000+
Average savings on topographic surveys
“It’s unbelievable, it’s the greatest innovation since sliced bread”
Jim Dexter, Owner
JD Hydraulics
“It’s very cost effective. I could spend so much time trying to get this data, or I can just go to Equator and I can do it in 10 minutes. It’s unbelievable, it’s the greatest innovation since sliced bread in my opinion!”
Equator 101: Getting Topographic Data
Learn the basics of working with Equator to access and download LiDAR data online
Generate Smooth Contours
How to create smooth contours in Civil 3D from LiDAR downloaded from Equator
More than just Topographic Maps
Collaborate and create topographic maps right in Equator using elevation data and our custom built map making tools, or export high-quality elevation data on demand from one of the thousands of built-in datasets as contours or digital elevation models. Equator is truly the one stop shop for engineers, architects, environmental professionals, construction professionals, and so many others.
A topographic map is a type of map that provides a two-dimensional representation of the Earth’s three-dimensional surfaces. It shows detailed and accurate depictions of both man-made and natural landmarks, including relief or elevation information (mountains, valleys, slopes), hydrology features (lakes, rivers, streams, etc), vegetated areas, transportation features (roads, trails, railways, bridges, airports), cultural features (buildings, development, transmission lines, etc), boundaries and borders, as well as names of places and geographical features.
Contour lines indicate both the steepness and shape of the terrain. Numerous contour lines that are close together indicate a steep terrain, such as hills or mountains. When they are farther apart, it indicates a gentle slope or flat terrain. Contour lines that are concentric shapes indicate a peak. However, if the concentric circles have tick marks inside them, they are indicating a depression.
A topographic map shows detailed and accurate depictions of both man-made and natural landmarks, including relief or elevation information (mountains, valleys, slopes), hydrology features (lakes, rivers, streams, etc), vegetated areas, transportation features (roads, trails, railways, bridges, airports), cultural features (buildings, development, transmission lines, etc), boundaries and borders, as well as names of places and geographical features.
Topographic maps are used for a variety of purposes, including planning and engineering, land management, navigation, and recreation.
Contour intervals or lines show relief on a map. They show the ground elevation above or below mean sea level (msl). The change in elevation from one contour line to the next is always the same within a map.
Elevation is shown as a series of contour lines on topographic maps. Each contour line represents a specific elevation and the spacing between the lines indicates the steepness of the terrain.