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New Classification Filtering Options in OpenTopography

May 16, 2025

Lidar systems produce a high density 'point cloud' - a collection of precise three-dimensional coordinates - that offers a detailed digital representation of scanned surfaces and their features. To unlock the full potential of this data for analysis, these points are classified after collection using algorithms and manual processing to differentiate surface types. This means each point is assigned a code identifying the type of feature it reflected from—such as ground, buildings, or vegetation.

April 2025 Data Releases

Apr 29, 2025

OpenTopography provides easy, centralized access to a diverse collection of topographic data. We strive to simplify data discovery by providing a single, accessible platform that integrates data from academic, private, and federal sources, including the USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) and NOAA Coastal Lidar. Below are highlights of datasets that became available on the OpenTopography platform in April 2025.

 

March 2025 Data Releases

Apr 9, 2025

OpenTopography provides easy, centralized access to a diverse collection of topographic data. We strive to simplify data discovery by providing a single, accessible platform that integrates data from academic, private, and federal sources, including the USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) and NOAA Coastal Lidar. Below are highlights of datasets that became available on the OpenTopography platform in March 2025.

 

February 2025 Data Releases

Mar 25, 2025

OpenTopography provides easy, centralized access to a diverse collection of topographic data. We strive to simplify data discovery by providing a single, accessible platform that integrates data from academic, private, and federal sources, including USGS 3DEP and NOAA Digital Coast. Below is a highlight of datasets that became available on the OpenTopography platform in February 2025.

 

Pre-wildfire lidar for Los Angeles is available to aid response efforts

Jan 13, 2025

The ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, including the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires, are scorching parts of the city and have destroyed thousands of homes and other buildings. On January 7, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the fires.

In response to these devastating wildfires in southern California, OpenTopography is temporarily opening our services applied to all USGS 3D Elevation Project (3DEP) and NOAA Coastal lidar datasets covering Los Angeles County.

New Data over New Zealand from LINZ

Jan 8, 2025

New and updated Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) datasets are now available through OpenTopography. These datasets collectively add over 22,000 km2 of high resolution topographic data over New Zealand (see areas in red on map below). These datasets are available through an ongoing collaboration between OpenTopography and LINZ as part of the LINZ National Elevation Program.

Find the data here:

OpenTopography Elevate: Expert support for academics and educators in overcoming challenges with topographic data

Dec 6, 2024

OpenTopography is excited to introduce OpenTopography Elevate, a new program designed to provide U.S.-based researchers and educators with personalized, expert assistance in working with digital elevation model and point cloud topography data. This program aims to empower participants with the technical skills necessary to use topography data effectively. Examples of projects include completing graduate-level research, teaching students in-demand knowledge about lidar, or creating museum exhibits that educate the public about Earth’s natural and built landscapes.

OpenTopography's Spring 2025 Webinar Series

Dec 6, 2024

OpenTopography invites you to join us for a series of weekly, hour-long webinars in March 2025. During the webinars, we will teach the basics of high resolution topography, including lidar and structure from motion photogrammetry, and demonstrate how to use OpenTopography's growing set of on-demand processing tools. The webinars will feature lectures on background material and hands-on demonstrations. Participants will have the opportunity to use OpenTopography's tools to access, process and visualize topography data.

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