# @usgs on LinkedIn

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.linkedin.com/posts/usgs_when-elevation-data-becomes-art-the-landscape-activity-7493018553403547649-m-WH
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68906639-companyusgs-linkedin
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/9db2fc2adc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-11T19:00:36.665+00:00

## Caption

When elevation data becomes art, the landscape takes on a new dimension.

Our 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) provides high-resolution elevation data that captures the three-dimensional structure of Earth’s surface. These data help scientists, resource managers, planners, and others analyze and understand the terrain across the United States.

Through our 3DEP as Art series, we transform elevation datasets into visual representations that highlight the subtle variations in terrain, from ridges and valleys to slopes, peaks, and drainage patterns.

The maps are created from bare-earth elevation data, which removes vegetation and human-made structures to reveal the underlying topography. The elevation data was scaled between the highest and lowest values in each state, and derived slope and hillshade information was added to create additional texture. Beyond their visual appeal, these data support applications ranging from topographic mapping and natural resource management to hazard assessment, infrastructure planning, hydrologic modeling, and scientific research.

3DEP as Art shows how a scientific dataset can reveal the structure of the landscape in a whole new way.

Download a free map of your state, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, or the conterminous U.S. in a variety of sizes 👉https://ow.ly/2yAj50ZyFCu

📷1-3: 3DEP maps artfully cropped around interesting land and water features. Purples and reds represent higher elevation and yellows and greens represent lower elevation.
📷4: 3DEP map of the conterminous United States.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 132
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 7

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Alexander Jonesi | @ajonesi | https://gondola.cc/ajonesi | Graphic Designer |

## Matching Posts

- @USGS on Twitter — https://gondola.cc/posts/68906544-USGS-twitter
- @usgs on Instagram — https://gondola.cc/posts/68906616-usgs-instagram

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