National Elevation Dataset
Data Specifications
- Area of Coverage: The one-arc-second data set provides seamless coverage of the conterminous U.S., Hawaii, and the island territories.
- Date(s) Available: The source elevation data can have a wide range of dates
- Format: ArcGrid, .BIL, GridFloat, and GeoTIFF
- Resolution: 3 to 30 meters
- Accuracy: Varies depending on resolution
Overview
The National Elevation Dataset (NED) is the primary elevation data product produced and distributed by the USGS. The NED provides the best available public domain raster elevation data of the conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and territorial islands in a seamless format. The NED is derived from diverse source data, processed to a common coordinate system and unit of vertical measure.
The NED serves as the elevation layer of The National Map, and provides basic elevation information for earth science studies and mapping applications in the United States. The data are utilized by the scientific and resource management communities for global change research, hydrologic modeling, and resource monitoring, mapping and visualization applications.