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3D Elevation Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee

By 3D National Topography Model

The 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM) is an initiative that improves and integrates elevation and hydrography data to support the most demanding scientific requirements and enable data-driven decisions across user communities. The 3D Elevation Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee (3DE-FICC) provides executive governance to coordinate the acquisition, dissemination, and use of 3DNTM data.

3DEP Working Group

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The 3D Elevation (3DEP) Working Group is a forum that is responsible for developing, executing and promoting a national strategy for acquisition, management, and distribution of elevation data consistent with the goals of the 3DEP. 

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3DHP Working Group

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The 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) Working Group is a forum for Federal agencies with direct involvement in 3DHP to provide input and collaborate on the direction, development, priorities, management, technologies, use, and resources of the program.

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Purpose  

Established by the National Landslide Preparedness Act (NPLA), the primary purpose of the 3D Elevation Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee (3DE-FICC) is “to better coordinate 3D elevation data management across the Federal Government.” The focus of the committee is the 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM) and includes the USGG 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) and 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP). 3DNTM is the terrestrial component of the 3D Nation vision shared by the USGS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency to provide a continuous elevation surface from the peaks or our mountains to the depths of our waters.  

 

The duties of the 3DE-FICC include:  

  • Oversee the planning, management, and coordination of 3DEP, including issuing processes and best practices for each Federal department and agency involved in the acquisition, production, distribution, or application of 3D elevation data to  
    • coordinate with the 3DE-FICC to acquire additional, enhanced 3D elevation data;  
    • submit to the Secretary a description of priority areas of interest for 3D elevation data collection for use in providing grants and cooperative agreements  
    • implement policies and procedures for data acquisition and sharing that are consistent with 3DEP standards and guidelines;  
    • participate in, and share the results and benefits of, the 3DEP, in accordance with 3DEP standards and guidelines; and  
    • ensure that any 3D elevation data acquired with Federal grant funding meets 3DEP standards; and is included in the national holdings of those data.  
  • Develop, by not later than 1 year after establishment, and update periodically thereafter  
    • a strategic plan that establishes goals and priorities for activities carried out under 3DEP; and  
    • a detailed management plan to implement the strategic plan.  

 

Membership  

As described in the NLPA, the 3DE-FICC shall be composed of the following members (or their principal designees):  

  • The Secretary, who shall serve as Chairperson of the Committee – designated to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science  
  • The Secretary of Agriculture  
  • The Secretary of Commerce  
  • The Secretary of Homeland Security  
  • The Director of the National Science Foundation  
  • The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy  
  • The Director of the Office of Management and Budget  
  • The head of any other Federal department or agency, at the request of the Secretary.  These include:  
    • The Department of the Army   
    • The Department of Transportation   
    • The Environmental Protection Agency  
    • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration   
    • The Federal Communications Commission