High-resolution topographic data collected using LiDAR is extremely valuable for managing of flood risk, infrastructure, and construction; natural resources conservation; hazard mitigation; and emergency response and preparedness, to name just a few applications. But, often, the cost of this type of data acquisition can be prohibitive for a single federal, state, or local government agencies, or private organizations to pay for on their own.
Recognizing this challenge, as well as the growing national need for high-quality topographic data and other 3D representations of natural and constructed above-ground features, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) introduced its 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) to encourage partnerships and cost-sharing for LiDAR data acquisition.
A Closer Look at 3DEP
The 3DEP initiative stemmed from the National Enhanced Elevation Assessment (NEEA) identifying the common need accurate, current and comprehensive LiDAR coverage over the conterminous U.S. states (and portions of Alaska), Hawaii and U.S territories. However, at the time, NEEA that LiDAR data had only been collected for 28 percent of the U.S., and the data was of varying quality and, in some cases, outdated.
USGS developed 3DEP to identify data gaps and foster multi-agency partnerships amongst those groups with common geospatial needs and project scopes, to minimize costs and improve the impact of the project. Each year, 3DEP selects partnership proposals, providing federal matching funds to help finance large-area LiDAR collections. New LiDAR data under 3DEP are acquired and produced in accordance with USGS specifications (currently Base LiDAR Specifications v1.2) with the newest technology by experienced LiDAR contractors.
USGS estimates that a fully funded and implemented 3DEP would provide more than $690 million annually in new benefits to government entities, the private sector, and citizens. Since the first BAA in FY15, the USGS has supported 88 projects resulting in more than 300,000 square miles of new data. And, in fiscal year 2017 alone, 3DEP partnerships are expected to result in nearly $80 million dollars of combined funding that will raise the level of coverage to 37 percent of the entire U.S. since the program’s inception in 2015.
This picture depicts a three dimensional LiDAR surface model colored by elevation for a portion of the City of El Paso, Texas. Shown are both US and Mexico territory along the border separated by the Rio Grande River. Centered in the picture is the Cordova Point of Entry Bridge (US 110/Mex45) crossing the Rio Grande. The US Customs and Border Protection, El Paso Port of Entry Station is prominently shown on the north side of the bridge.
Benefiting from 3DEP in Five Simple steps
Now that you know what 3DEP is, you may be wondering how your agency or organization can find partners with common interests and benefit from the program. Here’s how to do it:
- Watch for the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) each August – Early each August, the USGS issues the BAA, a competitive grant application that calls for proposals from state and local agencies, as well as public and private non-governmental organizations (NGOs) seeking federal matching funds to help finance large-area LiDAR surveys. The BAA also will be posted on grants.gov. To learn more about the BAA process, USGS offers webinars and in-state presentations. Be sure to check the 3DEP website for current dates, times, and locations.
- Find Partners - You can upload your area of interest to Public Areas of Interest Project Collector Tool by going to this website. In addition, you can visit the U.S. Federal Mapping Coordination site to view and compare your area of interest with other national stakeholders. Once you have identified potential stakeholders seeking geospatial data in the same area, begin building a partnership with the aim of working together to minimize costs.
- Create a Project Plan – Once you’ve found partners, it’s time to collaborate on a project plan and scope, including specifications and estimated cost needed for the application. For example, proposed projects are more favorably considered where there is currently no LiDAR coverage, where there is existing data but it is more than eight years old, or where current data does not meet USGS specifications. Other evaluation factors include the size of the project area (larger project areas >1,500 square miles) and geographic areas of overlap with federal agencies. The amount and certainty of the applicant’s proposed cost share and technical approach are also factored in the evaluation process and should be considered when forming a partnership and developing a project plan.
- Develop a Cost Sharing Model – Factors to consider in developing a cost sharing model include determining probable per unit cost; fair cost share among partners, based on the percentage overlap among partner areas of interest; and adjusting the scope given the probability of a USGS match.
- Complete and Submit your BAA Application in October – Visit the 3DEP web page for FY2018 to download the application. Strong, successful applications are often comprised of partnerships that propose compelling project justifications, cost models and technical approaches. The submission deadline is typically in October. Project selection and notification begin in November, and will continue into 2018 based on the availability of funding.