Dear colleagues,
The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) continues to utilize the NOAA sponsored Seasketch: U.S. Federal Mapping Coordination – A Demonstration Site for Federal Mapping Data Acquisition Coordination site for planning, coordinating partnerships, and tracking elevation data acquisition projects. The system supports the maintenance and publishing of
· Mapping Priorities: Needs, Requirements
· Planned and Ongoing Mapping Projects
· Existing Data
The USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) manages 3DEP with the goal to complete acquisition of nationwide lidar (IfSAR in AK) by 2023 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. The NGP works with Federal, State, Tribal and Local agencies to set priorities and establish the annual acquisition plans. Annual selection of areas for acquisition is determined by Federal and other stakeholder requirements as well as the availability of project funding. USGS and the state of California continue to work together to develop a strategic plan and identify cost sharing opporunities using these tools.
At the end of FY19, 67% of the Nation has 3DEP data available or in progress. To view the current status of data acquisition, see this link. To view where completed elevation data are available and download lidar point clouds and DEMs, visit The National Map Viewer and click on Elevation Products and Elevation Source Data. The DEMs are also available for use directly in a GIS application without having to download files through the 3DEP web coverage service. Another tool is the Lidar Explorer, which allows users to discover and visualize 3DEP lidar point cloud data within a dynamic web viewer.
The USGS anticipates funding another round of projects through the USGS Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) in FY21. The FY20/21 BAA is expected to be released through grants.gov and SAM.gov in August/September 2020. Public webinars to share details and answer questions on the FY20/21 release will be held in mid-August 2020; details on these and other coordination and outreach opportunities will be posted on http://www.usgs.gov/3DEP/Collaborate
Federal, State and Local stakeholders are actively utilizing Seasketch to identify areas of overlapping interest in preparation for the upcoming BAA. 3DEP invites you to utilize the updated Public 3DEP Project Collector Tool to enter new AOIs under consideration for acquisition in the next 1 to 3 years. The Public 3DEP Project Collector Tool is for state, local, academic, non-profit, and private sector use. Federal agency staff have a separate process, so please contact Carol Ostergren or Drew Decker (ddecker@usgs.gov) (costergren@usgs.gov) for learning that route.
Should you have any problems utilizing the updated Public 3DEP Project Collector Tool please contact Diana Thunen (dthunen@usgs.gov). General questions regarding the 3DEP Program may be submitted to 3dep@usgs.gov. General questions regarding the BAA may be submitted to gs_baa@usgs.gov.
I’m also available for questions at any time. 916-848-9002 while sheltering in place; email is best. Feel free to distribute this to others inside and outside of your organizations.
Stay safe.
Carol and Drew