3DEP Executive Forum

Background

The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is being developed to respond to growing needs for high-quality topographic data and for a wide range of other three-dimensional representations of the Nation's natural and constructed features. The primary goal of 3DEP is to systematically collect over an 8 year period, high-quality light detection and ranging (lidar) data over the conterminous United States, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories; and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (ifsar) data over Alaska, where cloud cover and other conditions limit lidar acquisition. The 3DEP initiative is based on the results of the National Enhance Elevation Assessment (NEEA) that documented the business uses of 34 Federal agencies, 50 states, and several local, tribal and industry representatives. The National Digital Elevation Program (NDEP) sponsored the study and has endorsed the recommended program of design of 3DEP as a collaboratively funded program executed by the USGS. The proposed governance of 3DEP includes the formation of an executive oversight body and evolution of NDEP to become the operational-level coordination group for 3DEP.

Purpose

To facilitate executive dialog and collaboration on strategies to implement and sustain 3DEP for the benefit of its Federal stakeholders and the broader community.

Objectives

• Monitor status, plans and coordination actions for 3DEP implementation.
• Track and coordinate on significant developments regarding elevation or related geospatial activities - for example, actions being taken to address legislation, hurricane supplemental funding, GAO reports or other multi-agency activities.
• Share insights and develop strategies to communicate with industry and other potential stakeholder groups that could play a role in 3DEP funding.
• Provide executive direction and input to NDEP as the operational coordinating body for enhanced elevation.