3D Elevation Program—Federal best practices

First posted February 9, 2021 For additional information, contact: Director, National Geospatial ProgramU.S. Geological Survey12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 511Reston, VA 20192Email: 3DEP@usgs.gov The goal of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is to complete nationwide data acquisition in 8 years, by 2023, to provide the first-ever national baseline of consistent high-resolution three-dimensional data—including bare earth elevations and three-dimensional point clouds—collected in a timeframe of less than a decade. Successful implementation of 3DEP depends on partnerships and the development and adoption of a unified Federal approach to acquiring data. The purpose of this document is to outline several best practices to aid the Federal 3DEP community in reaching a higher level of coordinated implementation, maximize Federal data investments, and reduce the number of years it will take to complete national coverage. The best practices are provided to Federal agencies as a checklist to assess the level of their participation and to inspire further adoption of Federal enterprise practices that will advance joint 3DEP coverage goals for the benefit of their missions and the Nation as a whole. It is anticipated that additional best practices will be defined and added as the effort matures.