Let’s hear it for more LiDAR!
Want more high resolution elevation data coverage? You got it!
We just completed the latest high resolution elevation data import from the USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), an ongoing project that aims to obtain nationwide LiDAR coverage plus IfSAR coverage in Alaska.
And to be honest, we can’t enough of the newly updated areas. While we regularly make updates to our elevation dataset as high resolution elevation data becomes increasingly available, it’s always mind blowing to see the difference in detail between the new high resolution elevation data and the original lower elevation data. One-meter resolution versus 10-30 meter resolution is no joke!
But don’t take our word for it- check it out for yourself. Each of the images below are split images of the same location with the high resolution elevation data on the left and the lower resolution elevation data on the right. Move the slider to compare these two elevation datasets and view the striking difference.
Above: Split image of the Grand Canyon with MapBuilder Topo and slope angle shading.
Above: Split image of Mt Garfield, WA with the shaded relief layer.
Above: Split image of Glacier Peak, MT with MapBuilder Topo.
In addition to the above areas, other notable areas that were part of the latest high resolution elevation data import include:
- Parts of Glacier National Park
- Remaining areas in Snoqualmie Pass that didn’t previously have coverage
- Sections of the Beartooths and Gallatin range in Montana
To see all the areas that currently have high resolution elevation data, check out this interactive coverage map.
Where can I see high resolution elevation data on CalTopo?
Where available, high resolution elevation data is incorporated into any CalTopo tool or layer that uses our elevation dataset. This includes layers such as MapBuilder Topo, MapBuilder Hybrid, shaded relief, slope angle shading, and custom DEM layers, as well as tools like elevation profiles.
Above: Split image of Snoqualmie Pass, WA with MapBuilder Topo and slope angle shading.
You can view high resolution elevation data on the web, mobile, and desktop app. If you have a mobile subscription or higher, you can download it for offline use, allowing you to bring the high resolution elevation data with you into the backcountry.
Please keep in mind that currently CalTopo does not automatically update offline downloads when we do a new elevation data update. If you notice discrepancies between the online elevation data and your offline downloads, make sure to delete your old downloaded tiles and re-download the latest ones. More information on managing your offline downloads can be found in the Mobile App- Offline Use or CalTopo Desktop- Download and Sync sections of our user guide.
Limitations of high resolution elevation data
While high resolution elevation data is incredibly useful for backcountry travel, it should still not be relied on as a definitive source of truth. As is true of any map (even paper maps!), it is a model of the terrain (albeit a pretty good one!) but not the terrain itself. For a more in depth discussion, check out our blog post Maps and Tracks: Accuracy, Precision, and your Phone GPS (Part 1).
Always carefully assess and evaluate any terrain that you are traveling in, and confirm your observations instead of relying solely on maps. Seek professional instruction on how to travel safely in the backcountry- our partners at the American Mountain Guide Association and American Avalanche Association have some great resources to get you started.
Got questions about our elevation data? Let us know in the comments below. Happy mapping!
Hello, I am interested in access to lidar topo maps. I read this article, and clicked on the link for the ‘High Res Coverage” but there are just points. The detail provided by incorporatind the Lidar into Shaded relief maps does not provide the accuracy I need. Is there a source for the Lidap topo maps? Thanks. ~ Anna
In terms of our source for LiDAR data, we bring in our high resolution elevation data from the USGS 3D Elevation Program, which you can learn more about here: https://www.usgs.gov/3d-elevation-program.
Why is Eastern Kentucky not available? I am working on projects around Cumberland Gap and the data just stops at the VA/TN/KY border. Who do I need to contact to get the data to y’all?
We continually update our dataset with additional high resolution data as it becomes available through 3DEP from the USGS. We’ve debated incorporating local LIDAR data but ultimately decided against it since (1) many of the local entities are or will be incorporated in the 3DEP data set, and (2) there is potential conflict checking/data currency issues when starting to incorporate lots of data sets in that manner. Although this map directly disagrees with some other USGS sources (so take it with a grain of salt), I think it is worth checking out because it does provide some idea of the current, pending and planned partnerships for acquiring high res data: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/3d-elevation-program-fy22-partnerships
Why is Kentucky still not available?
We’re planning to bring in the latest LiDAR data from USGS 3DEP project in the near future- if the coverage for the area you’re interested in is part of that update, you should see it reflected in CalTopo soon. Once the update is live, we’ll announce it so keep an eye on our blog, social media, or mailer.
Keep them coming! Can never have enough resolution!
WOOHOO!!! Slope angle layer is a trip planning game changer for scrambling, skiing, & canyoning. Can’t wait for Grand County, Utah, Delta County, Colorado. C’mon 3DEP, hurry it up! Thank you for getting that update in, you rock! I can see major additions on the West Slope of Colorado, and I’m absolutely loving it.
Any idea of the timeline of getting existing 3DEP data on here? A lot of the data sets collected in 2020-2022 aren’t on here yet. Just curious because trying to download them on OpenTopo is super time consuming. : )
Our last import was completed on January 30th and included the most recently available data from the USGS 3DEP. You can view more information on the update here: https://help.caltopo.com/hc/en-us/articles/5379607151259-Map-Layer-Data-Updates/. We will probably do another import in the next few months or so, although we don’t have an exact timeline at this moment.
Hello, this is great news. Any plans to bring in the Canada HRDEM from Natural Resources canada. It is available here:
https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/957782bf-847c-4644-a757-e383c0057995
It includes LiDAR derived elevation data for some areas where available.
We’ve been keeping an eye on that data source. Last time we looked they didn’t have extensive LiDAR coverage for mountainous areas but once that coverage increases, we’re hoping to include it in future high resolution elevation data imports.
Need to make the map moveable to 3d actually works and where yiy can turn the map then it will be the best
The visualizations here are wonderful. However, is there a way to directly read off the LiDAR elevation, as opposed to elevation apparently extracted from the standard maps? Or is the displayed elevation already taken from LiDAR where available?
Any layer or tool that pulls from our DEM will display the LiDAR data where available- including the displayed elevation
Was January 2024 really the last elevation data import? There are many areas missing that have LiDAR data available in the past year. For example, almost all of MT is now done.
While we’re BIG LiDAR fans over here, we’re a small team and importing new elevation data takes a bit of work on our part. As a result we aren’t able to do it as often as we would like. However we are hoping to bring in the latest data soon so keep an eye out for that!
How to do I find what resolution different areas are? For instance I live in Mammoth Lakes, Ca and would like to know the resolution where I am.
Check out the interactive coverage map: https://caltopo.com/l/CM87. Everywhere that is shaded blue shows our current LiDAR coverage which is 1-m or better resolution. Anywhere not shaded blue uses the original lower elevation data, which is between 10- to 30-m resolution. Currently there is not a way to view the exact resolution of a particular area but that map will show you where the elevation data is coming from for different areas.
Ok got it. No real differentiation between the 10-30m resolution in the non-blue zones. Thanks so much!
Do you think the blue could be made as a transparent overlay? It’s hard to locate the blue pieces, because they block the map underneath.
Thanks you,
Oops, I see I can do that myself.
Isn’t it the best when it is a simple answer like that? Enjoy and keep your eyes peeled for a new LiDAR import soon…