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OpenTopography datasets selected for NSF National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot

Sep 8, 2025

OpenTopography-hosted high-resolution raster topography datasets have been selected for integration into the National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot Program. The goal of the NAIRR Pilot is to give researchers access to high-quality datasets that support the advancement of AI literacy, education, and innovation. Dataset selection was conducted through a competitive process led by NSF in collaboration with an interagency working group representing twelve federal agencies.

July 2025 Data Releases

Aug 11, 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 a variety of sources including the USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), NOAA Coastal Lidar, Natural Resources Canada, Polar Geospatial Center, and many more. Below are highlights of datasets that became available on the OpenTopography platform in July 2025.

 

June 2025 Data Releases

Jul 2, 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 June 2025.

 

May 2025 Data Releases

May 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 May 2025.

 

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.

 

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