From Elevation to Hydrography USGS Programs to Provide Data Access and Build Partnerships

GIS User
GIS Developer
Student
Management
Other
elevation
hydrography
Published

October 20, 2025

Presentation Type: Presentation (60 minutes)

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Intended Audience: GIS User, GIS Developer, Student, Management, Other

Abstract

To respond to growing needs for high-quality elevation data, the goal of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is to complete acquisition of nationwide lidar (IfSAR in Alaska), providing the first-ever national baseline of consistent, high-resolution, topographic elevation data. Lidar point clouds, digital elevation models (DEMs), and metadata can be accessed several ways, including The National Map Downloader or from the USGS LidarExplorer. Additionally, 3DEP data can be accessed and manipulated from the cloud by streaming the data directly into GIS software, such as QGIS, or as part of a Point Data Abstraction Library (PDAL) workflow. USGS is building on decades of experience from developing and managing the National Hydrography Datasets (NHD) to establish the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) to completely refresh the Nation’s hydrography data and improve discovery and sharing of water-related data. USGS has published guidance on how to use DEMs derived from 3DEP Quality Level 2 or better lidar to generate elevation-derived hydrography.This presentation will demonstrate how to access 3DEP data, highlight the value of PDAL for cloud-based data processing, provide an overview of 3DHP, and review how non-Federal organizations are participating in data acquisition for both programs.

Presenter(s)

Cyndi Rachol

National Map Liaison for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, USGS National Geospatial Program

Cyndi Rachol is the USGS National Map Liaison for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Her duties include providing outreach and partnership building for the National Geospatial Program and producing educational videos on The National Map data and apps. She is also part of the USGS Geospatial Information Response Team, supporting hazard response across the country. Cyndi is based in Lansing, MI.