The National Elevation Dataset (NED) is the primary elevation data product of the USGS and serves as the elevation layer of The National Map. The NED provides basic elevation information for earth science studies and mapping applications in the United States. Scientists and resource managers use the NED data for global change research, hydrologic modeling, resource monitoring, mapping, visualization, and many other applications. The NED is updated continually to integrate newly available, improved elevation source data. All NED data are public domain.

The NED is generated at various horizontal resolutions to serve the needs of local, regional and nationwide applications. These various resolutions, referred to as NED layers, are stored and distributed in geographic coordinates at 1/9, 1/3, 1, and 2 seconds of arc. Each of these layers is derived from the highest quality DEMs available in the NED source database for any geographic location within the conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. territorial islands, Mexico and Canada. The extent of geographic coverage varies by layer.

For the latest information on the NED visit our Highlights page.