Facility Support: Open Topography - A National Hub for High Resolution Topographic Data Tools and Knowledge

Facility Support: Open Topography - A National Hub for High Resolution Topographic Data Tools and Knowledge Facility Support: Open Topography - A National Hub for High Resolution Topographic Data, Tools, and Knowledge High-resolution topography from LIDAR (Light Distance And Ranging) has been revolutionary for earth science, environmental, and engineering applications. These data are one of the most powerful tools available to studying the earths surface, overlying vegetation, and the built environment. Capable of generating digital elevation models (DEMs) more than an order of magnitude better resolved than those currently available, LIDAR provides the ability to acquire high-resolution (typically 0.5 2 m pixel resolution), three dimensional data, over large areas at relatively low expense. The data enable research into surface processes at the fine scales and broad extents not previously possible yet essential for their appropriate representation. However, along with the potential of LIDAR topography comes an increase in the volume and complexity of data that must be efficiently managed, archived, distributed, processed and integrated in order for them to be of use to the community.