Topography

By Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

Topographic maps show changes in elevation on the surface of the Earth.

By reflecting light off the Earth’s surface, LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technologies attached to planes or drones can detect even slight changes in the elevation of the landscape, including beneath dense vegetation.

High-quality topographic data can reveal landforms that indicate changes in rock type and mineral content or evolving geologic processes such as erosion, landslides, or changes in rivers and streams.

We partner with the USGS 3D Elevation Program to collect high-quality LiDAR data.

ALASKA IFSAR DEM — An example of a digital elevation model developed from LiDAR data.