2-foot and 10-foot elevation contours derived from the Spring 2012 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) LiDAR dataset.

This dataset is a digital elevation model (DEM) of the beach topography of Lake Superior at Minnesota Point, Duluth, Minnesota. The DEM has a 1-meter (m; 3.28084 foot [ft]) cell size and was created from a LAS dataset of terrestrial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data with an average point spacing of 0.137 m (0.45 ft). LiDAR data were collected August 10, 2019 using a boat-mounted Optech ILRIS scanner and methodology similar to that described by Huizinga and Wagner (2019).

Digital Elevation Model of Scott County, Minnesota.

The Minnesota Geospatial Image Service provides versatile access to the USGS Topographic Map Series layers (DRG format) using a Web Map Service (WMS). Using this service eliminates the need to download and store these background layers locally. Three scales of USGS topographic maps are available through this service: 1:250,000, 1:100,000, and 1:24,000. The maps are 1949-1994 vintage.

For more information:
- How to use a WMS: https://www.mngeo.state.mn.us/chouse/wms/how_to_use_wms.html
- Technical specifications for using this service: https://www.mngeo.state.mn.us/chouse/wms/wms_image_server_specs.html
- About topo maps: https://www.mngeo.state.mn.us/chouse/elevation/topo_maps.html
- USGS services providing access to current topo maps: https://apps.nationalmap.gov/services/

This dataset represents post-nourishment digital elevation models (DEMs) of the beach topography and near-shore bathymetry of Minnesota Point near the Duluth Entry of Lake Superior, Duluth, Minnesota. The Lidar DEM has a 1-meter (m; 3.28084 feet) cell size and was created from a LAS dataset of terrestrial light detection and ranging (lidar) data representing the beach topography. The topobathy DEMs have a 10-meter (m; 32.8084 feet) or a 5-meter (m; 16.4042 feet) cell size, and were created from a combined LAS dataset of lidar data representing the beach topography, and single-beam and multibeam sonar data representing the bathymetry. The survey area extends approximately 1 kilometers (0.62 miles) offshore, for an approximate 2.27 square kilometer surveyed area. Lidar data were collected using a boat mounted Velodyne VLP-16 unit. Multibeam sonar data were collected using a Norbit integrated wide band multibeam system compact (iWBMSc) sonar unit. Single-beam sonar data were collected using a Ceescope sonar unit. All elevation data were collected September 15-17, 2021. Methodology similar to Wagner, D.M., Lund, J.W., and Sanks, K.M., 2020 was used.

This dataset is a pre-nourishment digital elevation model (DEM) of the beach topography and near-shore bathymetry of Minnesota Point near the Duluth Entry of Lake Superior, Duluth, Minnesota. The DEMs have a 10-meter (m; 32.8084 feet) or a 5-meter (m; 16.4042 feet) cell size, and was created from a LAS dataset of terrestrial light detection and ranging (lidar) data representing the beach topography, and single-beam and multibeam sonar data representing the bathymetry. The survey area extends approximately 0.85 kilometers (0.5 miles) offshore, for an approximate 1.87 square kilometer surveyed area. Lidar data were collected using a boat mounted Velodyne VLP-16 unit. Multibeam sonar data were collected using a Norbit integrated wide band multibeam system compact (iWBMSc) sonar unit. Single-beam sonar data were collected using a Ceescope sonar unit. All elevation data were collected June 22-24, 2021. Methodology similar to Wagner, D.M., Lund, J.W., and Sanks, K.M., 2020 was used.

This dataset is a digital elevation model (DEM) of the beach topography and near-shore bathymetry of Lake Superior at Minnesota Point, Duluth, Minnesota. The DEM has a 10-meter (m; 32.8084 feet) cell size and was created from a LAS (Laser) dataset of terrestrial light detection and ranging (lidar) data representing the beach topography and multibeam sonar data representing the bathymetry to approximately 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) offshore, for an approximately 2.27 square kilometer surveyed area. Lidar data were collected July 23, 2020 using a boat mounted Velodyne unit. Multibeam sonar data were collected July 20th and 23rd, 2020 using a Norbit integrated wide band multibeam system compact (iWBMSc) sonar unit. Methodology similar to Wagner, D.M., Lund, J.W., and Sanks, K.M., 2020 was used.

This dataset is a digital elevation model (DEM) of the beach topography and near-shore bathymetry of Lake Superior at the Duluth Entry, Duluth, Minnesota. The DEM has a 5-meter (m; 16.404 feet) cell size and was created from a LAS dataset of terrestrial light detection and ranging (lidar) data representing the beach topography, and multibeam sonar data representing the bathymetry. The survey area extends approximately 0.85 kilometers (0.5 miles) offshore, for an approximately 1.87 square kilometer surveyed area. Lidar data were collected September 23, 2020 using a boat mounted Velodyne unit. Multibeam sonar data were collected September 22-23, 2020 using a Norbit integrated wide band multibeam system compact (iWBMSc) sonar unit. Methodology similar to Wagner, D.M., Lund, J.W., and Sanks, K.M., 2020 was used.

The lidar data for Crow Wing County was collected under contract by the county. Thus, the data format is not entirely consistent with some of the other lidar data collected by the State of Minnesota. Specifically, the Crow Wing County collect required classification of only Bare Earth in the lidar LAS files, so there is no information on buildings, vegetation, or model key points.

Breaklines captured as part of this effort are also a bit different. In Crow Wing County the breaklines are 3D Polyline features rather than 3D Polygon features. They also include road centerlines, stream courses and other features that are not part of the Statewide collect specifications. However, the breaklines do not have z-values associated with them so the DEMs have not been hydro-flattened.

This metadata record was created at the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office by combining information supplied by Merrick & Company, Crow Wing County, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Minnesota Elevation mapping project was developed by the Minnesota Digital Elevation Mapping Committee and executed by Minnesota State agencies with the assistance of the federal government county governments to acquire a highly accurate land surface elevation dataset for the State of Minnesota. High accuracy elevation data are essential to improving water quality, improving disaster prepar...

This map shows the elevation of the bedrock surface (Bedrock topography) across the state of Minnesota. This is important geologic information in identifying potential sources of groundwater and pollution sensitivity. The bedrock surface is an erosional surface comprised of Cretaceous (Mesozoic) rocks and sediments, Paleozoic rocks, and Precambrian rocks. This bedrock topography data is a raster showing elevation of the bedrock surface, in feet, across the state of Minnesota and includes that part of Minnesota that lies in the western part of the Lake Superior basin.

The elevation contours in this dataset have a 2-foot (ft) interval and were derived from a digital elevation model (DEM) of beach topography and near-shore bathymetry of Minnesota Point near the Superior Entry of Lake Superior, Duluth, Minnesota. The DEM used to derive the contours has a 10-meter (m; 32.8084 feet) cell size and was created from a LAS dataset of terrestrial light detection and ranging (lidar) data representing the beach topography and sonar data representing the bathymetry to approximately 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) offshore, for an approximately 2.27 square kilometer surveyed area. Lidar data were collected using a boat mounted Velodyne unit. Multibeam sonar data were collected using a Norbit integrated wide band multibeam system compact (iWBMSc) sonar unit. Single-beam sonar data were collected using a Ceescope sonar unit. All elevation data were collected September 15-17, 2021. Methodology similar to Wagner, D.M., Lund, J.W., and Sanks, K.M., 2020 was used.

The hillshade is a black-and-white image showing elevation changes in the landscape. It is created from a digital elevation model as if the elevation surface were illuminated by a hypothetical light source shining from the northwest.

A digital raster graphic (DRG) is a scanned image of an U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) standard series topographic map, including all map collar information. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Universal Transverse Mercator projection. The horizontal positional accuracy and datum of the DRG matches the accuracy and datum of the source map. The map is scanned at a minimum resolution of 250 dots per inch.

DRG's are created by scanning published paper maps on high-resolution scanners. The raster image is georeferenced and fit to the UTM projection. Colors are standardized to remove scanner limitations and artifacts. The average data set size is about 6 megabytes in Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) with PackBits compression. DRG's can be easily combined with other digital cartographic products such as digital elevation models (DEM) and digital orthophoto quadrangles (DOQ).

DRG's are stored as rectified TIFF files in geoTIFF format. GeoTIFF is a relatively new TIFF image storage format that incorporates georeferencing information in the header. This allows software, such as ArcView, ARC/INFO, or EPPL7 to reference the image without an additional header or world file.

Within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Core GIS data set the DRG's have been processed to be in compliance with departmental data standards (UTM Extended Zone 15, NAD83 datum) and the map collar information has been removed to facilitate the display of the DRG's in a seamless fashion.

These DRG's were clipped and transformed to UTM Zone 15 using EPPL7 Raster GIS.

NCED is currently involved in researching the effectiveness of anaglyph maps in the classroom and are working with educators and scientists to interpret various Earth-surface processes. Based on the findings of the research, various activities and interpretive information will be developed and available for educators to use in their classrooms. Keep checking back with this website because activities and maps are always being updated. We believe that anaglyph maps are an important tool in helping students see the world and are working to further develop materials and activities to support educators in their use of the maps.

This website has various 3-D maps and supporting materials that are available for download. Maps can be printed, viewed on computer monitors, or projected on to screens for larger audiences. Keep an eye on our website for more maps, activities and new information. Let us know how you use anaglyph maps in your classroom. Email any ideas or activities you have to ncedmaps@umn.edu

Anaglyph paper maps are a cost effective offshoot of the GeoWall Project. Geowall is a high end visualization tool developed for use in the University of Minnesota's Geology and Geophysics Department. Because of its effectiveness it has been expanded to 300 institutions across the United States. GeoWall projects 3-D images and allows students to see 3-D representations but is limited because of the technology. Paper maps are a cost effective solution that allows anaglyph technology to be used in classroom and field-based applications.

Maps are best when viewed with RED/CYAN anaglyph glasses!

A note on downloading: "viewable" maps are .jpg files; "high-quality downloads" are .tif files. While it is possible to view the latter in a web-browser in most cases, the download may be slow. As an alternative, try right-clicking on the link to the high-quality download and choosing "save" from the pop-up menu that results. Save the file to your own machine, then try opening the saved copy. This may be faster than clicking directly on the link to open it in the browser.

World Map: 3-D map that highlights oceanic bathymetry and plate boundaries.

Continental United States: 3-D grayscale map of the Lower 48.

Western United States: 3-D grayscale map of the Western United States with state boundaries.

Regional Map: 3-D greyscale map stretching from Hudson Bay to the Central Great Plains. This map includes the Western Great Lakes and the Canadian Shield.

Minnesota Map: 3-D greyscale map of Minnesota with county and state boundaries.

Twin Cities: 3-D map extending beyond Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Twin Cities Confluence Map: 3-D map highlighting the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. This map includes most of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Minneapolis, MN: 3-D topographical map of South Minneapolis.

Bassets Creek, Minneapolis: 3-D topographical map of the Bassets Creek watershed.

North Minneapolis: 3-D topographical map highlighting North Minneapolis and the Mississippi River.

St. Paul, MN: 3-D topographical map of St. Paul.

Western Suburbs, Twin Cities: 3-D topographical map of St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Minnetonka area.

Minnesota River Valley Suburbs, Twin Cities: 3-D topographical map of Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Edina area.

Southern Suburbs, Twin Cities: 3-D topographical map of Burnsville, Lakeville and Prior Lake area.

Southeast Suburbs, Twin Cities: 3-D topographical map of South St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Apple Valley and Eagan area.

Northeast Suburbs, Twin Cities: 3-D topographical map of White Bear Lake, Maplewood and Roseville area.

Northwest Suburbs, Mississippi River, Twin Cities: 3-D topographical map of North Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center and Maple Grove area.

Blaine, MN: 3-D map of Blaine and the Mississippi River.

White Bear Lake, MN: 3-D topographical map of White Bear Lake and the surrounding area.

Maple Grove, MN: 3-D topographical map of the NW suburbs of the Twin Cities.

Minnesota River: 3-D topographical map of the Minnesota River Valley highlighting the river bend in Mankato.

St. Croix River: 3-D topographical map of the St. Croix extending from Taylors Falls to the Mississippi confluence.

Mississippi River, Lake Pepin: 3-D topographical map of the confluence of Chippewa Creek and the Mississippi River.

Red Wing, MN: 3-D topographical map of Redwing, MN on the Mississippi River.

Winona, Minnesota: 3-D topographical map of Winona, MN highlighting the Mississippi River.

Cannon Falls, MN: 3-D topographical map of Cannon Falls area.

Rochester, MN: 3-D topographical map of Rochester and the surrounding area.

Northfield, MN: 3-D topographical map of Northfield and the surrounding area.

St. Louis River, MN: 3-D map of the St. Louis River and Duluth, Minnesota.

Lake Itasca, MN: 3-D map of the source of the Mississippi River.

Elmore, MN: 3-D topographical map of Elmore, MN in south-central Minnesota.

Glencoe, MN: 3-D topographical map of Glencoe, MN.

New Prague, MN: 3-D topographical map of the New Prague in south-central Minnesota.

Plainview, MN: 3-D topographical map of Plainview, MN.

Waterville-Morristown: 3-D map of the Waterville-Morris area in south-central Minnesota.

Eau Claire, WI: 3-D map of Eau Claire highlighting abandon river channels.

Dubuque, IA: 3-D topographical map of Dubuque and the Mississippi River.

Londonderry, NH: 3-D topographical map of Londonderry, NH.

Santa Cruz, CA: 3-D topographical map of Santa Cruz, California.

Crater Lake, OR: 3-D topographical map of Crater Lake, Oregon.

Mt. Rainier, WA: 3-D topographical map of Mt. Rainier in Washington.

Grand Canyon, AZ: 3-D topographical map of the Grand Canyon.

District of Columbia: 3-D map highlighting the confluence of the rivers and the Mall.

Ireland: 3-D grayscale map of Ireland.

New Jersey: 3-D grayscale map of New Jersey.

SP Crater, AZ: 3-D map of random craters in the San Francisco Mountains.

Mars Water Features: 3-D grayscale map showing surface water features from Mars.

Grid image of bedrock topography in Minnesota. Gridded values are of the elevation of the bedrock topographic surface. This surface includes the top of Cretaceous rocks. Units are feet above mean sea level. The grid was generated in 2010 from drill hole data and hand-drawn contours in some areas, also derived from drill hole data. The data are available as ArcGIS layer file and Web Coverage Service (WCS) for raster coverage. This resource was provided by the Minnesota Geological Survey and made available for distribution through the National Geothermal Data System.

This map shows the elevation of the bedrock surface (Bedrock topography) across the state of Minnesota. This is important geologic information in identifying potential sources of groundwater and pollution sensitivity. The bedrock surface is an erosional surface comprised of Cretaceous (Mesozoic) rocks and sediments, Paleozoic rocks, and Precambrian rocks. This bedrock topography data is a raster showing elevation of the bedrock surface, in feet, across the state of Minnesota and includes that part of Minnesota that lies in the western part of the Lake Superior basin. It does not include tribal areas of Grand Portage and Mille Lac as per the MGS's agreements with the tribes.

The vertical land change activity focuses on the detection, analysis, and explanation of topographic change. These detection techniques include both quantitative methods, for example, using difference metrics derived from multi-temporal topographic digital elevation models (DEMs), such as, light detection and ranging (lidar), National Elevation Dataset (NED), Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR), and qualitative methods, for example, using multi-temporal aerial photography to visualize topographic change. The geographic study areas of this activity are in Itasca and St. Louis counties in the northern Minnesota Mesabi Iron Range. Available multi-temporal lidar, NED, SRTM, IFSAR, and other topographic elevation datasets, as well as aerial photography and multi-spectral image data were identified and downloaded for these study area counties. Mining (vector) features were obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and St. Louis Government Services Center. These features were used to spatially locate the study areas within Itasca and St. Louis counties. Previously developed differencing methods (Gesch, 2006) were used to develop difference raster datasets of NED/SRTM (1947-2000 date range) and SRTM/IFSAR (2000-2008 date range). The difference rasters were evaluated to exclude difference values that were below a specified vertical change threshold, which was applied spatially by National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD) 1992 and 2006 land cover type, respectively. This spatial application of the vertical change threshold values improved the overall ability to detect vertical change because threshold values in bare earth areas were distinguished from threshold values in heavily vegetated areas.High-resolution (1-3 m) DEMs, generated from lidar point cloud data, were acquired for Itasca and St. Louis counties in Minnesota from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. ESRI Mosaic Datasets were generated from lidar point-cloud data and available topographic DEMs for the specified study areas. These data were analyzed to estimate volumetric changes on the land surface at three different periods with lidar acquisitions occurring for Itasca County between April 5, 2012 to April 28, 2012 and St. Louis County between May 3, 2011 to June 1, 2011. A recent difference raster dataset time span (2007-2012 date range) was analyzed by differencing the Minnesota lidar-derived DEMs and an IFSAR-derived dataset. The IFSAR-derived data were resampled to the resolution of the lidar DEM (approximately 1-m resolution) and compared with the lidar-derived DEM. Land cover based threshold values were applied spatially to detect vertical change using the lidar/IFSAR difference dataset. Itasca County included metadata describing vertical root mean square error (RMSE) values for different land cover types. This allowed additional refinement of the spatially explicit threshold values. A single RMSE value was used for St. Louis County because RMSE values for land cover types were not provided.References: Gesch, Dean B., 2006, An inventory and assessment of significant topographic changes in the United States Brookings, S. Dak., South Dakota State University, Ph.D. dissertation, 234 p, at https://topotools.cr.usgs.gov/pdfs/DGesch_dissertation_Nov2006.pdf.

Layered GeoPDF 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Map. Layers of geospatial data include orthoimagery, roads, grids, geographic names, elevation contours, hydrography, and other selected map features.

A digital raster graphic (DRG) is a scanned image of a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map. The scanned image includes all map collar information. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the Earth using the UTM Zone and datum of the original map (most Minnesota DRGs are NAD27). The DRG can be used to collect, review, and revise other digital data, especially digital line graphs (DLG). When the DRG is combined with other digital products, such as digital orthophoto quadrangles (DOQ) or digital elevation models (DEM), the resulting image provides additional visual information for the extraction and revision of base cartographic information.