3D Mapping Data's Future: 8 Examples
Federal agencies, academia, communities, and the private sector are collaborating on advanced US mapping data as part of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). Look what these maps can do.
![](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt69509c9116440be8/blt5fc96cd6f0ebf927/64cb56ee663e500e66568c95/GGBridge.jpg?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Communities have a growing need for current and accurate three-dimensional mapping data that will aid preparation for natural disasters like floods and landslides. Such data is also essential in supporting the nation's infrastructure, agriculture, and security. To address the issue, the US Geological Survey (USGS), along with other government agencies and the private sector, recently launched the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) to replace outdated and inconsistent data.
The new program utilizes lidar to map the US in 3D. The remote sensing detection system is similar to radar, but it uses light from a laser. The goal of 3DEP is to systematically collect enhanced elevation data using lidar over an eight-year period. Alaska is one exception, where interferometric synthetic aperture radar (ifsar) will be used to collect data, since cloud cover and remote locations prevent the use of lidar.
Lidar accuracy is at least three times greater than previously possible when mapping the bare earth elevation. It also allows both natural and manmade features to be captured in great detail, Vicki Lukas, chief of NGP Topographic Data Services at USGS, told InformationWeek Government. The image above of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is one example.
"Lidar is a game-changing technology in enabling a huge range of applications, such as infrastructure and construction management," said Lukas.
Developing advanced mapping data and tools is part of a White House climate change action plan launched a year ago. In July, President Obama introduced a series of additional actions and announced that $13.1 million would go toward 3DEP. The president said such data and tools will be an "essential component of supporting action on climate resilience," including flood risk management, water resource planning, easing coastal erosion and storm surge impacts, and identifying landslide hazards.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are among the agencies that rely on 3D mapping data to improve floodplain mapping and to communicate flood risks to local communities.
3DEP is based on the results of the National Enhanced Elevation Assessment, which found more than 600 business and science uses for 3D mapping data across federal agencies, all 50 US states, local government and tribal offices, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. The program design was determined from analyzing the uses in the study and selecting the best return on investment. Based on the assessment, 3DEP will meet $690 million of the documented benefits annually if it is fully funded, Lukas said.
The USGS hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill on July 25 to discuss 3DEP and its benefits in more detail. The following slides from that event demonstrate how 3D elevation data is being used nationwide and what the program aims to accomplish.
(Source: North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety)
3DEP uses lidar remote sensing technology to acquire and distribute 3D data, including surface elevations and natural and constructed features. Lidar measures distance by pointing a laser at a target and analyzing the reflected light.
(Source: FEMA)
Pictured here are FEMA's disaster applications of 3D terrain data. Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, FEMA was able to identify 44,000 households as damaged and inaccessible. As a result, the agency provided $130 million in expedited assistance based on accurate and rapid flood depth information.
(Source: North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety)
North Carolina found that lidar-derived elevation data is an enabler for efficiency, improved accuracy, and better analytics. Through the acquisition of new 3DEP topographic data, North Carolina will be able to support areas like utility management, transportation design, wetland identification (pictured), forestry management, and more.
(Source: USGS)
These images show parts of the Oso landslide that occurred in northwest Washington on March 22, 2014. Both are oblique, perspective images derived from lidar topographic data. The first image shows the topography before the landslide, while the second image shows the topography after.
(Source: Los Angeles County)
Los Angeles County uses lidar-derived data -- such as roof pitch and aspect -- to offer homeowners a tool called Solar Map. The tool allows users to plan solar installations in their home by providing a bird's-eye view of the property, as well as suggestions for where to install solar panels.
(Source: Dewberry)
Lidar slope data is used for pipeline routing across mountain ranges and beneath rivers, construction planning, encroachment control, and asset inventories. 3DEP aims to address a broad range of critical applications that have national significance.
(Source: Fugro EarthData, NOAA)
When it comes to aviation navigation and safety, lidar is used to detect potential obstacles. Pilots are trained on flight simulators using elevation data and imagery, which is especially critical in areas where there is a need to reduce flight-related accidents.
(Source: USGS)
Pictured is the 2013 interagency elevation inventory of publicly available lidar and ifsar data. According to the status map, only 4% of the lower 49 states meet the 3DEP quality goal for lidar coverage, while more than half of Alaska needs ifsar data to complete the 3DEP goal for coverage.
(Source: USGS)
Pictured is the 2013 interagency elevation inventory of publicly available lidar and ifsar data. According to the status map, only 4% of the lower 49 states meet the 3DEP quality goal for lidar coverage, while more than half of Alaska needs ifsar data to complete the 3DEP goal for coverage.
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