
The New USGS Topographic Map – 3DEP
The USGS is undertaking an ambitious mission to collect nation-wide lidar by 2023 through the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). This is your chance to see this amazing new data. This massive undertaking will allow the US to provide the first-ever nationwide baseline of high-resolution elevation data. The project will be completed over a 10 year timeline.
The USGS already has extensive topographic mapping, why does this matter?
The 3DEP project is a BIG deal, mainly because of the quality of the data that is provided. High-resolution means 2 ft, 1 ft, or even 0.5 ft in vertical accuracy. Forget about 20 ft contours, with high-resolution lidar data, you can make out bridges, ditches, and even curbs. The way that engineers source elevation data has been completely transformed.


Where does the topographic data come from?
The 3DEP project includes lidar datasets from across the nation, including those collected by FEMA, USGS and other agencies. This dataset is a compilation of lidar data from multiple acquisition projects carried out between 2014 to present. A full list of US 3DEP elevation data sets is included in the table at the bottom of this page. Data provided through the 3DEP project is under one specification – the USGS Lidar Base Specifications.
How accurate is the USGS topographic map (3DEP)?
Check out the accuracy for lidar in your area at the bottom of this article. There are four (4) different quality levels associated with the USGS 3DEP lidar data. Quality levels range from Q0 (best quality) to Q4 (lowest quality). In terms of vertical accuracy, here is what you can expect (95% confidence level):
- Q0: ≤ 9.8 cm NVA and ≤ 15.0 cm VVA
- Q1: ≤ 19.6 cm NVA and ≤ 30.0 cm VVA
- Q2: ≤ 19.6 cm NVA and ≤ 30.0 cm VVA
- Q3: ≤ 20.0 cm NVA and ≤ 60.0 cm VVA
Where NVA is Non-vegetated Vertical Accuracy and VVA is Vegetated Vertical Accuracy. The collected accuracy varies based on ground conditions such as tree cover. In general, in NVA conditions, such as an open field or on a roadway you can expect better vertical accuracy that in VVA conditions.


What is Equator?
Equator is a web-based, 3D mapping platform created by civil engineers to make it easier to access the best topographic maps online. Equator is the quickest way to access, visualize, and download high-resolution topographic data in the US. Simply create contours, surface models, cross-sections, mark-ups and figures from USGS 3DEP data.
Who is Equator for?
Equator shares high-resolution topographic data to a variety of end users. Typical users include:
- Civil Engineers
- Planners
- Construction Professionals
- Landscape Designers
- Real Estate Agents
- Artists and Makers


Why View USGS LiDAR in Equator?
Equator is transforming the way you interact with topography online. Gone are the days of downloading digital elevation models (DEMs) or similar to local machines. Equator leverages the latest 3D technology, borrowed from the 3D gaming world, to stream topographic data on the fly, in your browser, at the best available resolution.
Equator believes in democratizing access to high-resolution elevation data around the world. Equator’s mission is to make it easy for anyone, no matter the experience level or budget, to find, build and share high-resolution maps online.
What can I do in Equator?
Using Equator, you can source, view, extract or share USGS topographic data. In addition, Equator is a workflow platform which means that you can organize all of your sites in dedicated project folders and share those projects with your team instantly. Key benefits for professional users include:
- Bottom line revenue growth – increased efficiency and cost savings.
- Top line revenue growth – uncover competitive insights.

Why should I use Equator to access the USGS topographic map?
The old way of viewing topography online is low-resolution and time-consuming. Now you can stream USGS topographic data on the fly, in your browser, at the best available resolution.
Revolutionary 3D platform for viewing data
Most detailed 3D map online of the US, in one place
Easily extract the data you need
What USGS LiDAR data is provided in Equator and what is the quality level?
