Discover 21 Free LiDAR and DEM Data Sources for Advanced Mapping

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In the realm of Reality Capture, Reality Mapping, Imagery, and Remote Sensing, having access to quality LiDAR, DTM (Digital Terrain Models), and DEM (Digital Elevation Models) data is crucial.

Arkadiusz Szadkowski has curated a list of 21 invaluable free LiDAR, DTM, and DEM data sources that are essential for any geospatial project.

If you know of any other valuable sources, especially those pertinent to your region or globally, feel free to share them.

  1. NOAA Digital Coast:
    • Provides LiDAR data for coastal regions of the United States.
    • Link
  2. The National Map (TNM):
    • A collaborative effort offering various geospatial datasets, including LiDAR data for USA.
    • Link
  3. European Data Portal:
    • Offers access to various geospatial datasets, including LiDAR data, from European countries.
    • Link
  4. Equator Studios:
    • Combines datasets from various sources to create a comprehensive LiDAR data repository.
    • Link
  5. OpenTopography:
    • Provides a collection of LiDAR datasets from around the world, primarily the US and New Zealand.
    • Link
  6. U.S. Interagency Elevation Inventory:
    • Mainly covers the US.
    • Link
  7. Open.Canada.ca:
    • High Resolution Digital Elevation Model (HRDEM) – CanElevation Series: Focuses on Canada.
    • Link
  8. Arctic DEM Explorer:
    • Offers a 2m DEM covering latitudes greater than 60 degrees including parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, and others.
    • Link
  9. National Land Service of Finland:
    • Covers Finland.
    • Link
  10. CNIG – Centro Nacional de Información Geográfica:
    • Focuses on Spain.
    • Link
  11. swissSURFACE3D:
    • Offers data for Switzerland.
    • Link
  12. LINZ – Land Information New Zealand:
    • Covers New Zealand.
    • Link
  13. Høydedata:
    • Provides data for Norway. You can download .las .laz or grid DTM.
    • Link
  14. Open Topographic Data Viewer:
    • Focuses on Ireland.
    • Link
  15. Agencija rs Za Okolje:
    • Offers data for Slovenia.
    • Link
  16. Geospatial Data Extraction (Maps Canada):
    • Focuses on Canada.
    • Link
  17. LiDAR BC:
    • Offers data covering British Columbia, Canada.
    • Link
  18. ELVIS:
    • Covers Australia, mostly the Southwest.
    • Link
  19. Forêt ouverte:
    • Provides data for Quebec, Canada.
    • Link
  20. Polish Geoportal
    • Provides national LiDAR data coverage (with classification) and DTM/DEM and DSM for Poland.
    • Link 1, Link 2
  21. Canadian GIS Database:
    • Lists additional free and open datasets within Canada.
    • Link

This comprehensive list curated by Arkadiusz Szadkowski offers an incredible range of resources for those involved in geospatial analysis and mapping. Leveraging these free data sources can significantly enhance the scope and quality of your projects. A huge thank you to Arkadiusz for compiling and sharing this valuable information with the community.

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