Charting the Future of 3D Topography: USGS Calls for Next-Gen Mapping Strategy
As geospatial technologies continue to evolve, so too must the systems that support our understanding of the terrain beneath our feet. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released Circular 1553, a strategic document outlining the future of national elevation and hydrography data under the evolving 3D National Topography Model.
Building on the success of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), this next-generation initiative envisions a more dynamic, integrated, and responsive system—one that combines high-resolution lidar, inland bathymetry, and hydrographic data into a seamless national resource. The goal is not just better maps, but smarter infrastructure, stronger disaster response, and billions in economic benefits.
With enhanced flexibility, upgraded data standards, and a bold ecosystem-based approach, this report lays out a path toward a fully modernized 3D Nation.
